Dental Fear Rife Among Australians
A survey has revealed that the majority of Australians suffer from dental anxiety, with an Oral-B poll suggesting that 83 percent of the 1004 respondents experienced anxiety when faced with a trip to the dentist.
The survey also revealed that more than half of those surveyed would rather face public embarrassment, by falling over or walking out of a toilet with paper attached to their shoe, than go to the dentist and women would rather have a smear test than a routine dental check-up.
Dr Cindy Nour, a clinical psychologist, said that dental phobia, also known as dentophobia, is a common problem that is affecting standards of oral health among Australians. Many people experience a degree of anxiety when they visit the dentist, but for some, the fear is all-encompassing and so severe that they put off dental visits for months, even years, which increases the risk of dental diseases.
The results of the survey are shocking, especially considering the state of oral health among Australians. Research has shown that decay is prevalent among children, with over half of 5 year olds affected and people aged between 20 and 40, with 76 percent of people admitting to experience of decay.
Dr Peter Aldritt, chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee, said that he was surprised that the proportion of people affected by dental anxiety was so high, but suggested that the figures are a good reminder for dental professionals that they must do everything they can to make the experience of going to the dentist as positive as possible.
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