By Maya Abu Huwaij

KUWAIT: For many adults, the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair evokes intense fear, often leading them to avoid necessary dental care altogether. This widespread anxiety, often rooted in childhood experiences, has severe consequences for oral and overall health. As a result, a significant number of adults allow their oral health to deteriorate, leading to decaying teeth, chronic pain, and a diminished quality of life. What starts as a small cavity or a missed cleaning can spiral into severe dental issues, impacting not just their physical health but also their self-esteem and social interactions.

Dr Maha Abu Dawoud, Team leader for General Dentistry for the Ministry of Health in Al-Osaimi Center, explained that adults commonly fear visiting the dentist due to past traumatic experiences, pain anticipation, or feelings of helplessness in the dental chair. These fears often persist into adulthood because of ingrained negative associations, even if they seem irrational. According to Dr Abu Dawoud, many adults believe that all dental procedures are painful, or that anesthesia won’t work effectively, further exacerbating their fear. This belief causes individuals to delay or completely avoid dental care, leading to advanced dental issues that require more complicated and invasive treatments.

According to the UK’s NICE Clinical Guidelines, dental appointments should occur within three and 24-month intervals. In comparison, the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey reported that only 58 percent of UK adults had attempted to make a dental appointment in the past three years. One barrier to dental attendance that has been extensively studied is dental anxiety, which has been estimated to affect approximately 16 percent of the UK population. Individuals with dental anxiety often avoid attending dental appointments and have worse oral health as a product of this avoidance.

Dr Abu Dawoud has noticed a growing trend of patients delaying visits in Kuwait, and this avoidance only worsens their dental health, resulting in more complicated treatments in the long term. To combat this growing crisis, Dr Abu Dawoud emphasizes the importance of patient education, transparency about procedures, and the adoption of gentle, anxiety-reducing techniques. She believes that by addressing patients’ fears and providing them with accurate information, dentists can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with dental visits. For nervous patients, Dr Abu Dawoud uses calming communication, distraction methods, and sometimes sedation options to ensure their comfort. These techniques can help make dental visits less intimidating and more manageable for individuals with dental anxiety.

Dr Abu Dawoud said support from family or community can also play a crucial role in helping individuals face their fears. Encouragement from loved ones can provide the motivation needed to schedule and attend dental appointments. In some cases, having a trusted friend or family member accompany them to the dentist can provide a sense of comfort and security. This support system can be instrumental in helping individuals overcome their fear and prioritize their dental health.

Dr Abu Dawoud also encourages those who feel embarrassed by their dental health to remember that dentists are there to help, not judge. She stresses that seeking help is the first step towards improving both oral and overall health, and no one should feel ashamed of prioritizing their well-being. Dentists understand that many individuals struggle with dental anxiety and are trained to provide compassionate care that takes these fears into account. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, dentists can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in seeking the care they need.