67% of Brits feel anxious about a trip to the dentist, National Smile Month survey reveals
Sixty-seven percent of Brits feel anxious about going to the dentist, a new survey commissioned for National Smile Month reveals.
A poll conducted by the Oral Health Foundation for the annual campaign, which runs from the 15th May to the 15th June, also suggested that 33 percent of people are worried about discomfort, while 26 percent are anxious about cost of dental treatment.
High levels of anxiety have been blamed for a rise in the popularity of DIY dentistry, and 28 percent of those surveyed said they would attempt to improve their oral health at home before visiting a dentist.
The study highlights the prevalence of dental anxiety, and dental experts are keen to use National Smile Month to encourage people to visit their dentist on a regular basis and take advantage of expert help for dental fear. Dentists are trained to care for anxious patients, and they can use modern technology to minimise pain. The worry is that when patients put off having a dental check-up, thy put themselves at risk of dental diseases, which may require more complex treatment, such as treatment for advanced gum disease or root canal therapy. If you keep up with routine checks, which last a few minutes and are completely painless, you can lower your risk of developing decay and gum disease by up to 60 percent.
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