One of my professors told me that he has often been told, “Hey Doc, it’s nothing personal, but I hate dentists.” This professor also shared that he thinks statements like these just come with the job. I know of another dentist who reacts when his patients tell him that onlineusadrugstore24.com they hate dentists by asking the patient what they do for a living. He then tells them that he hates their profession.
In my few years of experience in the dental field, I have met more than a handful of people who openly share their dislike of dentists. My first inclination is to find out why. Was it a bad experience when they were younger? Have they had difficulty communicating with their dentist? Have they had procedures done without good pain control?
As a kid, I loved going to the dentist because I would always get a new toothbrush. But I know I’m in the minority, or maybe just weird — probably both.
A lot of people hate the dentist due to dental fear (for example, here’s 15 reasons why people are afraid of the dentist), but I want to dig a little deeper and discover the root cause of all the hate.
Anyway, I’ve spent a significant amount of time thinking about this and I finally have my own personal theory of why people hate the dentist.
Why People Hate the Dentist
My theory actually has two parts. I’ll cover the first part this week, and the second part next week.
According to the first part of my theory, the reason that people hate the dentist is because teeth only feel pain.
Why do so many spouses buy massages for their loved ones on Valentines day? Because a massage is pleasant — usually people want a back massage because it makes them feel good.
Unfortunately, teeth aren’t quite the same as our backs when it comes to senses. Teeth can only sense pain. Imagine what it would be like if people craved their dental checkup because they were going to get their teeth massaged, rather than cleaned. What would life be like if a root canal was called a deep massage and actually felt good? You’d probably see lines at every dental office filled with people begging to get a root canal done so that they could have a full-tooth massage.
Brushing your teeth might make your mouth feel clean, but it’s more of a necessity than a feel-good experience. Most people would agree that the only time you really notice your teeth is when there is a problem!
The Odds Are Against Us
Many dentists try to make going to the dentist a pleasant experience, but it’s hard when your teeth are capable of only feeling pain. People usually go to the dentist for one of two reasons. The first is to have a routine cleaning, which is relatively painless but can be uncomfortable depending on the amount of plaque to be removed. The second reason people go to the dentist is because they have a problem, and more often than not it is a painful problem. Either way, if your dentist does his job well, at best you would feel no pain. But it is impossible for a dental procedure to feel good since teeth only feel pain. I mean, when was the last time that you said this to your dentist: “That root canal was amazing! Is there any chance you could do that to another one of my teeth at the next appointment?”
Dentists are in the business of preventing problems (although most of that falls back on the patient) and solving problems. Most of these problems are painful, and in addition, most of these problems require more pain (from the procedures) in order to be solved. If only your teeth were able to feel the good things that we do for them, people might not look at dentists with so much fear!
Why Do You Think People Hate the Dentist?
I realize that most people probably don’t actually hate “the dentist” but hate the experience of going to the dentist. I may be wrong in assuming that, but most dentists I’ve met over the years seem like pretty decent people. So it seems that people “hate the dentist” because of all they associate with visiting their dentist. Guilt by association, right?
Do you hate the dentist? Do you have any other theories? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below and join in on the conversation.
Thanks for reading!
You have perfect timing for this, as I am heading to my dentist early in the morning. Anyhow, it all comes down to anxiety from past bad experiences. When in 3rd grade, I passed out as he was filling 4 big cavities. To say the least, dentists need to listen to the parents, for they KNOW how their child will react. He didn’t stop what he was doing. When I came to, gagging reflex big time 🙁
That also was when you really did not get injections. Small town, no injections. That’s just the way it was.
When I moved back here 8 years ago, went to same place…new guy. Didn’t numb me enough. Pain throughout the whole thing. It seems to just never end.
So, for me, it’s not the dentist. I really like him, and we’re both avid readers (something in common). I just hate getting anything done…the pain!
We’ll see how it goes in the morning :~
Hi Cris – Wow, I’m amazed that the dentist kept working after you’d passed out. The pain is a big problem – if only teeth could feel the good things we do! Thanks for sharing your experience, Cris!
just an update. the appt on Friday went good. once I told him of being anxious, he did awesome with that. he has a sense of humor and brought that in. helped calm me down. there was no pain. i just felt when the injection fluid was going in (which I know is normal). what it comes down to, don’t be afraid to tell you dentist how you feel…even if you feel as if you’re dumb to be feeling that way. they will work with you if they are good. that’s my advise of the day 🙂
It’s amazing how often I have heard the phrase, “Nothing personal, but I really hate the dentist.” It is part of the job, but when patients are honest about their anxiety it gives us an opportunity to put them at ease. Many patients seem to avoid the dentist due to fear that they will be judged for bad dental hygiene habits, much like many patients avoid the doctor for fear of having to step on the scale.
Personally I don’t hate the Dentist. What I hate is the waiting on x-rays and sometimes the non communication you sometimes receive. I feel like if you suspect a problem, I want to be told then, not 30 minutes later after I have thought about the worst. For example: I had a filling on a tooth and later on a couple of months it became loose. I told then dentist and after a scary wait time, he told me he didn’t know what he was going to do till he got in. Could be a root canal or a crown. I personally cried every night for two weeks! Because of the possibility since I never had anything drastic but wisdom teeth extraction. Needless to say he crowned it after I had to have laughing gas. I found a new dentist after that episode.
I don’t really like the dentist since it’s often painful, expensive and often mostly a negative experience. It’s one of those things I know I have to do, so I do it, though there was a period of time in college and some years after where I didn’t go since I had no insurance, little money and no regular dentist that I trusted. I wish I had gone then since my mouth would be in better shape now if I’d been more careful–though it could be worse.
Currently, I don’t really like my dentist much even though I’ve been through a lot with her since I started going to her when she was only a few years out of dental school. She’s friendly-ish, but it seems like she’s mostly interested in the money and isn’t very interested in what she’s doing. I get it if she’s bored. I would be, too, but I only have one set of teeth and she just doesn’t seem to be too careful anymore. She started out a bit unsure of some stuff, but at least she was careful, but now she just seems not to take anything too seriously and blows off everything or doesn’t listen and maybe it hasn’t been really disastrous, but not great either.
Examples of problems I’ve had:
– endless badgering to get InvisAlign, mostly from dental assistants–I felt like I’d entered the used car salesroom. They asserted my teeth would last much longer if I got it even though they weren’t extremely bad and I’d had orthodontics as a kid. I asked for evidence that the $6,000 would be worth the time and money in the long run. Ya know like peer reviewed, medical journal kind of stuff that uses this new-fangled thing called “the scientific method.” I mean, not just making something up because you want to bill more. So show me the research that’s says teeth last longer after being straightened for minor problems. She never does.
– after being badgered for years, I finally dropped the dough on InvisAlign hoping it would be worth it for getting my teeth to last longer. So I pay like 2 months salary for this crap and she probably spends about three hours of her time over about 5 months. I think it helped a little bit, but . . . worth the money? I’m not so sure.
– when I get done with InvisAlign, she says “let me adjust your bite.” The back molars on my right side would touch when I bit down but the molars on my left side didn’t touch very much because of different heights. She then goes and grinds down the right side–excessively–so now the left side touches when I bite down much more than the right. WTF! Not only that, but my canine on the right and some front teeth are now clashing because they hit each other long before the molars ever touch now because she ground so much off my back molars on that side. I’m now afraid to say anything about any of my bite since I don’t want her crazily grinding anything else on my teeth or ruining my bite any more than she’s already done and every step she takes is just making things worse. Seriously, maybe she could be a little careful for $6,000 and like 3 hours or less in her stupid chair. C’Mon, this is someone’s mouth, their body, you’re screwing around with. If you can’t proceed with care then find a new profession. She’s just going to keep grinding until my teeth are little nubs?
-A dental assistant takes molds for my retainer and he’s about 23 and seems like he’s really bored. my retainer is not a good fit on the upper left back molars when it comes back and it basically wobbles back there and doesn’t fit right. my dentist asks if it fits,I say, “not really, it wobbles and is just flopping around back there and it’s not snug at all.” She says, “try it for a while and you can call if you still think there is a problem after a while.” What part of “it doesn’t fit right didn’t she understand?” So she asked so that she could just ignore me? WTF, again?
So . . . I’m learning to hate my dentist who isn’t careful, ignores anything I say, and is just going to do any crazy thing she wants and charge me a crapload of money.
Seriously, I think I need a new dentist since I’ve had it with her. I wish I had a better dentist instead of the recent horror show experiences. I wish I knew an actually good dentist here.
For me it’s very simple. I hate dentists because I’ve had crappy treatment, several instances of malpractice, grinding of teeth done against my will and in 2 instances with out my knowledge.
I was lucky to escape a dentist extracting a perfectly healthy tooth as she wanted to do because I ha d a bit of pain in my gum which was only due to diet.
One dentist years ago did a filling which dropped out after 2 hours. I rang him immediately and he said “Oh well”. Did not offer a refund or another appointment.
I had one dentist go psycho on me because I complained about his precious secretary gave me a practitioner who did not know anything about the type of dentistry I had specifically requested.
It was only after a lot of arguing and me pointing out he was not living up to the promises on his website that he gave me a refund and then banned me from the practice.
My current dentist is very nice but did not listen to my request for protective measures for my teeth between procedures and my teeth chipped and broke because of the stress they were under, – AFTER which he decided I needed a splint! etc.
I’ve had excellent dentistry in the past. But the last few years dentists have ignored me, patronised me, wrecked my teeth, violated my informed consent and shown a completely moronic approach to oral care and clients – me!- that shows me they know nothing about the profession they’ve entered.
Several I would sack without hesitation.
Don’t bother theorising about why people hate the dentist.
ASK them! They’ll tell you, you don’t need to guess!!
Hi Dr. Tom 🙂
Thank you for you lovely website.
I translated this post to Persian and shared it into my Blog:
http://qaemi.ir/399
I’m a dentistry student at Qom university of medical sciences in Iran.
and I’m happy to find you and your website!
I’m very happy to see you telling the writer that you used his post.???
I’m dentistry student from isfahan.?
When I saw your comment at the end of my post, I decided to translate and write the second part 🙂
Thank you for your support!
Very simple. I hate dentists who have damaged my teeth very severely.
I used to have dentists who understood dentistry and that they were there to fix teeth.
In the last few years, however, the dentists I have been to have destroyed several perfectly healthy teeth, the ones I went to get the destroyed teeth fixed did miserable inadequate patch jobs that broke – constantly – put in fillings that broke, DID NOT fix the damaged teeth, and caused collateral damage to adjoining teeth such that I have more teeth damaged by idiot morons who don’t understand dentistry and have more teeth damaged now than I did several years ago.
THAT’s why I hate dentists! The ones I’ve seen in the last few years should be in jail. They don’t deserve the privilege of being in practice.
Some people should not be in their jobs, end of story.
Oddly enough, a dentist I went to when I was young hated being a dentist. I did not like him because he was rough but apart from that was actually a pretty good dentist – his fillings were quite well done, moulded to the tooth shape – unlike today where they cut teeth to fit the too-low fillings which degrade quickly – and lasted a long time. Go figure.
I don’t like the experience of having my mouth examined. I am afraid they will find a problem then based on my previous bad experiences of questionable treatment I will have to decide whether to trust the guy or not. Even with something like broken teeth, I find out later maybe I didn’t need all those crowns. It’s worse than buying a car. It’s not the expense so much as the fear of making the wrong decision which boils down to not trusting the dentist due to previous bad experiences. Also, I hate the prying conversation. I don’t want to talk about my family. That is actually stressful for me.
I absolutely hate dentists. 1. They’re aggressively over-familiar. You’re not my “family” or even my friend. I’m paying for a service. Be professional, don’t use my first name (and especially not multiple times– save that for used car salesmen). Also, don’t ask me personal questions unless it relates to dental care. I’ll volunteer what I want you to know and don’t mind small talk, but keep the invasive inquiries to yourself. 2. No one actually wants an “experience” in a dental chair. Get it done the first time- quickly and efficiently. Having a “get to know you” initial appointment utterly ridiculous. It seems more practices are engaging in this obnoxious behavior. Yeah, because I really want to use vacation time to talk to your assistant for an hour. 3. I’ve seen a dentist at least twice a year for 4 decades. Stop “finding” issues that don’t exist. No, I don’t need a 2 month old filling replaced or crowns on teeth with small fillings. Also,children don’t need orthodontia for baby teeth or crowns/fillings on juvenile molars. Dentistry is becoming a racket for con-men and oily, pushy hucksters. At least doctors will give you some personal space on occasion.
Eruption Cyst: Photos of a Purple Bump on the Gums
Introduction
An eruption cyst, also called an eruption hematoma, is a common dental condition seen primarily in children. This condition occurs when a tooth is erupting through the gum but gets trapped under a fluid-filled sac. The cyst may appear as a purple, blue, or red bump on the gum. While the sight of a purple bump may alarm parents, eruption cysts are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention tips for eruption cysts. We will also explain how to differentiate an eruption cyst from other oral conditions and provide guidance for parents who encounter this issue in their children.
What Is an Eruption Cyst?
An eruption cyst forms when a developing tooth is trying to push through the gum tissue. As the tooth moves upward, a small fluid-filled sac develops above it. This sac can fill with blood if there is trauma or pressure on the gum, leading to the purple or blue discoloration commonly associated with eruption cysts.
Eruption cysts are most commonly seen in children under the age of eight, as this is the time when primary (baby) teeth and early permanent teeth emerge. However, adults may also develop an eruption cyst if they experience delayed tooth eruption or if wisdom teeth are trying to emerge.
What Do Eruption Cysts Look Like?
Color: Eruption cysts are often purple, blue, red, or translucent in appearance. The color depends on whether the cyst contains fluid, blood, or a combination of both.
Size: The size of an eruption cyst can vary but is usually small and localized to the area where a tooth is about to erupt.
Texture: The bump is soft and may feel slightly squishy when touched.
Location: Eruption cysts typically occur on the gums overlying a tooth that is erupting. This can include the front teeth, molars, or wisdom teeth.
Parents may notice the purple bump suddenly appear on their child’s gums. The cyst may become more noticeable as the tooth gets closer to breaking through.
Symptoms of an Eruption Cyst
Eruption cysts are generally painless, but some children may experience mild discomfort, especially if the cyst becomes irritated. Symptoms may include:
A visible bump on the gum
Mild swelling around the cyst
Slight tenderness or discomfort
Difficulty chewing or biting in the affected area
Increased drooling in infants and toddlers
If the cyst becomes infected, additional symptoms such as redness, pain, or pus drainage may occur. In such cases, a dentist should be consulted immediately.
Causes of Eruption Cysts
Eruption cysts develop due to the natural process of tooth eruption. Factors that may contribute to their formation include:
Tooth eruption: The primary cause is the upward movement of a tooth through the gum tissue.
Trauma: Minor trauma to the gums, such as biting hard objects, can cause the cyst to fill with blood.
Genetics: Some children may be more prone to developing eruption cysts due to hereditary factors.
Oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of gum issues, which may contribute to cyst formation.
Diagnosis of Eruption Cysts
A dentist can easily diagnose an eruption cyst through a visual examination. In most cases, no additional tests are needed. However, if the dentist suspects an underlying issue, they may recommend an X-ray to:
Confirm the presence of the erupting tooth
Rule out other conditions, such as a dental abscess or tumor
Assess the alignment of the tooth
Parents are encouraged to seek professional advice if they are uncertain about the nature of the bump on their child’s gums.
How to Treat an Eruption Cyst
Most eruption cysts do not require treatment and will resolve on their own once the tooth breaks through the gum. However, certain cases may need intervention:
Observation: In many cases, dentists will simply monitor the cyst and wait for the tooth to erupt naturally.
Warm saltwater rinses: Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce discomfort and keep the area clean.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended if the cyst causes discomfort.
Surgical intervention: In rare cases where the cyst does not resolve or causes significant pain, a dentist may perform a minor procedure to drain the cyst or remove the overlying gum tissue.
Parents should avoid attempting to pop or drain the cyst at home, as this can lead to infection and complications.
Potential Complications
While eruption cysts are generally harmless, complications can arise if the cyst becomes infected or interferes with tooth eruption. Possible complications include:
Gum infection
Delayed tooth eruption
Pain and swelling
Damage to neighboring teeth
If any of these issues occur, it is essential to seek dental care promptly.
Prevention Tips
Although eruption cysts cannot always be prevented, parents can take steps to promote healthy tooth eruption and minimize the risk of complications:
Encourage good oral hygiene: Teach children to brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily to maintain healthy gums.
Avoid gum trauma: Discourage children from biting hard objects that may damage their gums.
Monitor oral health: Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address potential issues early.
Provide a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy teeth and gums.
Eruption Cyst vs. Other Conditions
It is essential to differentiate an eruption cyst from other oral conditions that may appear similar. Common conditions that may be mistaken for an eruption cyst include:
Dental abscess: Unlike an eruption cyst, a dental abscess is caused by infection and is usually painful. It may also be accompanied by fever and swelling.
Mucocele: This is a fluid-filled bump that typically forms on the inner lips or cheeks rather than the gums.
Hemangioma: A hemangioma is a benign growth of blood vessels that may appear as a red or purple bump.
Oral tumors: Although rare in children, tumors can appear as lumps on the gums and require immediate evaluation.
If there is any doubt about the nature of the bump, consulting a dentist is the best course of action.
When to See a Dentist
Parents should take their child to the dentist if:
The eruption cyst does not resolve within a few weeks
The child experiences significant pain or discomfort
The cyst appears infected (redness, pus, or swelling)
There are concerns about delayed tooth eruption
A dental professional can provide appropriate care and reassurance.
Conclusion
Eruption cysts are a common and generally harmless condition associated with tooth eruption in children. While they may look alarming, these purple bumps on the gums usually resolve without intervention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help parents manage this condition effectively.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, monitoring dental development, and consulting a dentist when necessary are key steps in ensuring your child’s oral health. If you notice a purple bump on your child’s gums, rest assured that it is likely a normal part of their dental journey. However, when in doubt, seek professional advice to ensure peace of mind.
9 Reasons Why People Often Hate Going to the Dentist
Visiting the dentist is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, yet many people dread or outright avoid dental appointments. Here are 9 common reasons why people dislike going to the dentist, explained in simple words with a personal touch.
1. Fear of Pain
Many people think visiting the dentist will hurt. Memories of painful procedures, like getting a cavity filled or a tooth pulled, stick with them for years. Even though modern dentistry has ways to make procedures much less painful, this fear is hard to let go of.
Personal Note: It’s okay to feel scared—lots of people do. If you tell your dentist about your fear, they can take steps to help make you comfortable.
2. High Costs
Dental treatments can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. Even a simple cleaning might feel like a lot of money, and more complex procedures, like root canals or crowns, can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Personal Note: If costs are an issue, talk to your dentist about payment plans or look for community clinics that offer lower fees.
3. Anxiety or Phobia
Some people feel a deep fear, called dental phobia, when they think about sitting in the dentist’s chair. The sound of drills, the bright lights, or even the idea of someone working inside their mouth can cause extreme stress.
Personal Note: You’re not alone if the dentist’s office makes you anxious. Listening to calming music or practicing deep breathing before your visit can help ease your nerves.
4. Bad Past Experiences
A rough or painful visit to the dentist in the past can make someone avoid going back. For example, if a dentist didn’t explain what they were doing or didn’t stop when it hurt, it can leave a lasting impression.
Personal Note: If you’ve had a bad experience, look for a dentist with good reviews who focuses on gentle care. A caring dentist can help rebuild your trust.
5. Long Waiting Times
Nobody likes waiting in the reception area for a long time, especially if they feel nervous already. The time spent at the dentist’s office can feel like it drags on forever.
Personal Note: Try booking the first appointment of the day to reduce waiting time. You’ll be in and out faster.
6. Uncomfortable Tools and Procedures
Dental tools, like the suction device or the sharp scraper used to clean teeth, can feel strange and uncomfortable. Some people hate having their mouth open for a long time or the feeling of water spraying everywhere.
Personal Note: Don’t hesitate to ask the dentist for breaks during the procedure if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
7. Embarrassment
If someone hasn’t been to the dentist in a long time or feels insecure about the condition of their teeth, they might feel judged. Worrying about what the dentist will think can stop people from going.
Personal Note: Dentists are there to help, not judge. They’ve seen it all and want to get you back on track.
8. Sensitivity Issues
Some people’s teeth or gums are very sensitive, making cleanings or procedures uncomfortable or even painful. Cold water or metal tools can make this worse.
Personal Note: Let your dentist know about your sensitivity beforehand. They can use special tools or techniques to make the visit more comfortable.
9. Noisy and Unpleasant Environment
The sounds of drills, the smell of dental materials, and the sterile look of the office can make the experience unpleasant. For some, it’s a sensory overload.
Personal Note: Bring headphones and play your favorite music or podcast during the visit. It can make the environment feel less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Disliking the dentist is more common than you might think, but it doesn’t have to stop you from taking care of your teeth. Communicate with your dentist about your concerns, and don’t be afraid to look for one who understands and meets your needs. A little effort to find the right dentist and prepare for visits can make a huge difference.
Remember, your smile is worth it!