Dental anxiety is a common concern affecting up to 20% of the population. It involves an extreme fear or dread of visiting the dentist to receive dental care. While mildly anxious feelings about dental work are normal, people with dental anxiety experience excessive, persistent fear that is strong enough to avoid going to the dentist altogether. Their anxiety comes from a feeling of vulnerability and lack of control in the dental chair.
Dental anxiety can range from feelings of moderate uneasiness to a full-blown dental phobia. It differs from normal nervousness because it causes people to avoid or delay routine dental care. Unfortunately, this often compounds the problem, as poor oral health habits can lead to more invasive and complex treatments. Avoiding the dentist exacerbates anxiety, starting a cycle that is difficult to break.
The reasons for dental anxiety are complex and tied to psychological, social, and physiological factors. But the good news is that with care and the proper management techniques, it is possible to reduce or overcome dental anxiety, and be able to enjoy a relaxing dental experience once again. Understanding anxiety triggers and learning effective coping strategies can help patients feel comfortable receiving the dental treatment they need!
What are Common Causes of Dental Anxiety?
Common causes of dental phobia or anxiety include:
- Traumatic past experiences. Negative dental experiences, past trauma, or painful dental visits can result in lasting anxiety associated with dental care.
- Fear of pain. Many procedures, like drilling and extractions, can be painful. Fear of that pain can build anticipatory anxiety. Some patients also have dental phobia stemming from a fear of needles, drills, or other dental instruments.
- Feeling out of control. Being in the dental chair can cause a sense of vulnerability. Patients feel out of control and unable to communicate or stop a procedure once it has started. This lack of control can feed anxiety.
- Embarrassment. Some patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or mouth or worry about bad breath. Embarrassment about these issues can make dental visits stressful.
What are the Physical Symptoms of Dental Anxiety?
Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist can cause noticeable physical reactions in the body. This is due to activating the body's natural "fight or flight" response.
Feeling anxious about dental visits may trigger physical symptoms including increased heart rate, sweaty palms, and muscle tension due to the body's preparation for perceived threats. These reactions involve heightened blood circulation, active sweat glands, and tightened muscles around the jaw, neck, and shoulders. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for managing dental anxiety through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation, which aim to calm both mind and body.
What are the Psychological Symptoms of Dental Anxiety?
Some patients with dental anxiety may experience intense mental or emotional symptoms leading up to and during dental visits. This can include excessive worry about dental procedures or the visit itself that make it difficult to focus on anything else.
Dental anxiety can make people feel powerless or like they are no longer in control. There's a fear of what will be done to them against their wishes. Some individuals experience panic attacks before, during, or after dental visits. These involve sudden periods of intense fear, heart palpitations, sweating, and other anxiety symptoms.
How Does Dental Anxiety Impact Oral Health?
Many people with dental fear try to avoid going to the dentist altogether. Appointments are canceled or never made in the first place, resulting in neglected oral health and skipping regular checkups and necessary treatments, allowing conditions like cavities and gum disease to remain untreated.
The result can be a self-perpetuating cycle: the more dental issues arise, the greater the fear of seeking treatment, deteriorating oral health further. Effectively managing dental anxiety is paramount to breaking this cycle and ensuring both psychological and dental health.
How Can I Manage Feelings of Dental Anxiety?
Overcoming dental anxiety is possible with preparation and the proper techniques. Some dentist-recommended tips for making dental visits more comfortable include:
- Relaxation Techniques. Practice deep breathing exercises before your appointment to lower stress. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for 3-5 seconds, and slowly exhale through your mouth.
- Listen to calming music or a meditation app on your headphones. This can provide a calming distraction against feelings of anxiety.
- Visualize yourself calmly going through the dental appointment from start to finish. Picture the sights, sounds, and sensations in a positive light.
- Bring a stress ball to squeeze or a fidget spinner to keep your hands occupied. This distracts from the dental sensations.
- Prepare early. Meet with your dentist before your treatment to go over your procedure step-by-step, share your concerns, and receive guidance for making your procedure more pleasant. Scheduling a consultation is an excellent way to get to know your dentist, tour the office, and
- Ask about anesthesia or sedation dentistry. Ask your dentist about their in-office options for helping patients manage dental anxiety, including comforting amenities, safe anesthesia, or a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication. Your dentist can help guide you toward the best methods for your dental care experience!
Preparing mentally and knowing what to expect can help lower stress before a dental visit. Discuss any concerns with your dentist early on, so they can best accommodate your needs.
When to Seek Help
When dental anxiety is disabling, seeking treatment from a mental health professional such as a therapist or counselor may help. Strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in examining negative thinking patterns that fuel anxiety. A therapist may be recommended if dental anxiety is severely impacting your oral health and/or everyday life.
Let Your Dentist Help You Overcome Anxiety for Your Healthiest Smile
The longer you go avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, the more your oral health and well-being may be at risk. Taking steps to plan ahead for your dental appointment, get to know your dentist, and seek support from your dental staff or a therapist can make all the difference in banishing feelings of dental anxiety and reclaiming your best smile.
If anxiety is holding you back from scheduling your next dental check-up or dental treatment, consider what steps you can take to make your visit more pleasant. Start by scheduling a consultation with your dentist to discuss your needs and work collaboratively in creating a more calming, anxiety-free dental care experience!