As reported in the February edition of Dentistry magazine, more than one in ten adults in the UK (12%) would rather hold a tarantula than sit in a dentist chair!
The survey also found that a third (33%) of those who have ever visited a dentist felt scared before their dental appointment. The top three causes of this dental phobia were reported as:
1. The possibility of having a dental procedure, with 31% of those surveyed admitting this is what they were afraid of when visiting
2. Needles and injections were reported as the second most off-putting reason by 30%
3. Bad childhood memories of the dentist chair or not liking having medical treatments in their mouth was the joint third most off-putting reason, with just over one in five (22%) of those surveyed admitting past experience has scared them about visiting the dentist.
Interestingly, 38% of the 25–34-year-olds surveyed admitted to being scared of potentially having a procedure performed – making it the most fearful age group when it comes to having work done.
If you have a dental phobia, rest assured that the experienced dentists at Elmsleigh House can help you access the dental care you need with a range of sedation options and a friendly environment!
Click here to listen to our patient Miss C describe her experience of sedation at Elmsleigh House.