Rumors and exaggerated stories often contribute to the anxiety people feel about visiting the dentist. Taken to the extreme, dental phobia may prevent some individuals from seeking dental care at all. Not only will your oral health suffer without regular exams and professional care, but your overall wellness may also decline. Research has linked poor oral health to systemic conditions such as osteoporosis, increased risk of stroke, pregnancy complications, and Alzheimer’s.

Don’t believe these falsities about visiting the dentist:

Myth: Everything looks good, so my dental health is fine.
Reality: Often, dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer are initially symptom-less. Routine checkups give your dentist the opportunity to evaluate your whole mouth and look for any unseen issues.

Myth: I feel really nervous and my dentist won’t understand.
Reality: During their education, dentists receive special training on helping patients who experience fear or anxiety. Part of your dentist’s job is making sure you feel safe and comfortable.

Myth: The condition of my mouth is embarrassing, so I can’t see the dentist.
Reality: As a trained professional, your dental provider has likely seen lots of patients with various degrees of problems. If you are concerned about the state of your mouth, you should definitely see a dentist.

Myth: My dental issues will resolve themselves.
Reality: If you had strep throat, you would see a doctor to treat the illness. In the same way, you can’t expect dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay to clear up without intervention. While over-the-counter preparations and home remedies may ease your symptoms, they won’t address the root cause.