Dental Anxiety, Part I: The Weeks Before Your Appointment
Nearly 1 out of every 5 individuals fears the dentist more than snakes, spiders, or heights according to a recent British Medical Journal survey (i). Alarmingly, that survey also indicates that the 1,000 respondents polled fear the dentist up to 10 times more than any other medical professional. This is disheartening for Miami dental professionals, indicating that as many as 1 in 5 Miami residents may be avoiding regular cleanings and other procedures. With the tooth decay and gum disease on the rise, holistic dentistry practitioners are beginning to ask: How can we help patients overcome the fear and anxiety associated with seeing a health professional?