Overcoming fear of the dentist
TIMES have changed, and so has dentistry. From virtual consultations to numbing gels, digital scanners and even screens on the ceiling, modern dental care is designed for comfort and prevention — not punishment. And yet, many people, out of fear, avoid going to the dentist — much to their detriment. “The Trini instinct to “wait and see” and rub some clove oil and pray the pain goes away — is part of our cultural DNA,”said Clinical Director at Smile Inn Dental, Dr Shenilee Hazell. “But that instinct can cost us more in the long run. Prevention is always easier, faster and less painful than cure.” Dental care must be considered a necessity, not an option; our oral health literally impacts every part of our body, emphasises Hazell. Consider this: the bacteria under your gums can travel through your bloodstream and affect your heart and joints, so healthy gums are not just cosmetic, they’re protective, she says. Additionally, some of us have medical conditions that affect the mouth and need extra care. For instance, people with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss. “Knowing that early allows dentists to build preventive plans — from special cleanings to antibacterial rinses that protect gum health,” explains Hazell. For those with acid reflux, the stomach acids that rise into the mouth can gradually erode enamel, leaving teeth sensitive and prone to staining. Also, for patients with chronic stress, the body’s response shows up as grinding and clenching, wearing down the biting surfaces. “Recognising these patterns allows dentists to intervene early with protective coatings, mouthguards or dietary adjustments before permanent damage occurs,”she says. In an effort to break down barriers, Hazell addresses the real reasons why many Trinidadians delay their dental visits. Inherited attitudes Many adults who avoid dental care today do so because of inherited beliefs rather than their own experience, said Hazell. “Children learn how to think about dental visits from their parents or caregivers,” she says. “If those adults describe the dentist as something to get over with or tell stories of painful extractions, that anxiety becomes contagious.” Changing that narrative begins early. When parents treat check-ups as normal, children grow up associating the dentist with routine care, not crisis management. A simple six month visit teaches them that prevention, not pain, is the goal, she adds. Fear and anxiety Fear of the dentist remains one of the biggest barriers to care, said Hazell. She pointed to research which suggests that one in three adults experiences dental anxiety and one in ten has a full-blown phobia that triggers sweating, racing heartbeats or nausea. And the longer one stays away from the dentist, the bigger the fear becomes. “I’ve had patients tell me they would rather give birth than get another filling. That’s the power of memory when fear goes untreated,” says Hazell. Dental clinics across T&T are reimagining the dental experience for their anxious patents, says the cosmetic, general and family dentist. Many have introduced calming scents, soft lighting, plush blankets and soothing distractions like music and ceiling screens to help patients relax. Hazell advises those who are struggling to overcome their fear of the dentist to choose a dentist who acknowledges their anxiety and talks about it. Cost and myth of inaccessibility The assumption that dental costs are too expensive often keeps people away. “Many private practices now benchmark their pricing annually to stay accessible. Patients are often pleasantly surprised when they ask,” says Hazell. “Prevention saves money in the long term — regular cleanings and early fillings cost far less than root canals or extractions.” If cost is a problem, call around and compare prices, recommends Hazell. Many clinics offer phased or staged treatment plans that make care easier to budget, she adds. Access and confusion In some rural areas, patients struggle to find clinics, in urban areas people have too many choices and not enough clarity. Better public awareness and transparent communication from practices can bridge the gap. The more openly dentists share information about qualifications, pricing and available treatments, the easier it becomes for patients to make informed choices, says Hazell. Shame and judgment “One young mother told me she hadn’t smiled in a photograph for years because of broken front teeth. Another patient, a retired gentleman, finally came in after 30 years, saying he had avoided the dentist since his twenties because of embarrassment,” recalls Hazell. “Most of the time, it’s not nearly as bad as you think. The hardest part was walking through the door.” If something is bothering you - bleeding gums, an unpleasant smell on the floss, a dark spot on a tooth - get it checked. Knowing what’s happening gives you back control, says Hazell. Time and convenience Between long work hours, traffic and school runs, some simply don’t have the time to see the dentist. Hazell’s clinic and a few others are now offering Sunday appointments to fit people’s busy schedules. “Health doesn’t pause for the calendar,” says Hazell. Misinformation and mistrust We live in an age of TikTok dentistry and viral “hacks”. To combat the flood of misinformation, dentists now spend as much time educating as they do treating, said Hazell. “Transparency — showing visuals, explaining each step and involving patients in decisions, builds trust,”she stresses. “When people understand why something is being done, fear turns into cooperation and cooperation leads to better outcomes.” What we can do as individuals If dental visits make you anxious, plan them carefully. Choose a day or weekend when you won’t feel rushed, advises Hazell. Eat beforehand. This steadies the blood sugar and keeps anxiety from spiralling. Bring your own headphones and playlist if sounds make you uneasy. And after your appointment, treat yourself to something that makes you happy - call a friend, take a walk, treat yourself to a good meal, she adds. Most importantly, communicate. “Tell us you’re nervous, tell us if you’re embarrassed. When patients share that honesty, the entire experience changes,”she advises. To reduce anxiety, Hazell strongly recommends calling clinics and asking questions in advance. Knowledge, she stresses, is the antidote to fear. Dentists also carry equal responsibility to remove barriers through empathy, innovation and flexibility, says Hazell. More and more clinics are incorporating tools to help people with anxiety, and dental teams are also being trained to recognise subtle signs of fear in patients. Technological advances like digital scans can monitor changes and support prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. But first — the dentist has to see the patient. “Your smile deserves more than last-minute attention,”says Hazell. “See your dentist before there is a problem, not because there is one. Prevention is the most powerful treatment we have.”