Dental Anxiety
Dental Anxiety
You’re anxious about the dentist. Dental treatment might be delayed by mild to severe fear. Important dental anxiety facts:
Dental anxiety can be caused by past oral injuries, fear of pain or discomfort, powerlessness in the chair, needles or drills, or tooth shame.
Dental anxiety causes racing heart, perspiration, shivering, stress, difficulty breathing, and a strong desire to avoid dentists.
Dental anxiety hinders or stops treatment, hurting teeth. Missing dental exams and treatments may require more invasive procedures.
The dentist uses many dental anxiety therapies. Provide comfort, explain procedures, relax, give medication, and discuss difficulties.
Oral, injectable, and nitrous oxide sedation calm severe dental anxiety.
Music, TV, guided imagery, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce dental anxiety.
Sharing concerns with the dentist creates trust and customises care.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Sometimes dental procedures cause anxiety. Dental anxiety education includes various things:
Trauma, dread of pain, needles, or drills, lack of control, oral health shame, or medical worry can trigger dental anxiety.
Palpitations, sweating, shivering, shallow breathing, and stomachache are dental anxiety symptoms. They may panic or lose focus.
Dental anxiety causes people to avoid dentists and neglect dental hygiene. Avoiding dental care may damage teeth and require additional treatment.
Dentists relax, explain, use music or distractions, and sedate in extreme circumstances to cope.
Patients and dentists must talk. Hearing patient concerns may reassure and change the dentist’s approach.
Gradual exposure may reduce dental anxiety.
Support and Education: Understanding methods, equipment, and oral health empowers patients and decreases anxiety.
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Psychological disorders might cause dental anxiety. Common dental anxiety causes:
Dental procedures can be stressful.
Dental anaesthesia and injections scare me.
Inability to move or speak can worry dentists.
Previous oral trauma can cause anxiety.
Dental judgement anxiety causes tooth self-consciousness.
Fear of oral hygiene or tooth condition criticism can induce dental anxiety.
Oral procedures that pain or gag may frighten sensitive persons.
Unknown dental surgery sounds, feelings, and duration can trigger anxiety.
Substandard dentistry in movies, TV, and literature can trigger dental dread.
Mental disease like anxiety might worsen dental anxiety.
Coping with Dental Anxiety
Open Communication: Tell your dentist your concerns. Being clear helps them understand your anxiety and alter their approach.
Before and during dental visits, deep breathing, meditation, or soothing music help alleviate tension.
Use music, podcasts, or stress balls to distract yourself during surgery.
Ask your dentist about oral sedatives or nitrous oxide. They can help you relax during treatments.
Gradual Exposure and Support: If needed, schedule shorter, less invasive dentist visits and bring a trusted friend or family member for emotional support. Slowly exposing might boost trust.
Children & Dental Anxiety
First dental visits: Positive experiences matter. Children should start dental exams around their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts to normalise treatment and reduce fear.
Dentists should have fun waiting areas, toys, literature, and nice staff to soothe kids.
Age-appropriate language, books, and videos help kids understand dental exams. Dental role-playing at home may prepare kids.
Encouragement from parents lessens kids’ anxiousness. Relax, communicate favourably about dental visits, and avoid bad experiences to enhance dental care attitudes.
Dental treatments may be more comfortable with numbing gels or local anaesthesia. Reading, playing, and amusing youngsters after surgery minimises anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can a dentist do to help my child’s dental anxiety?
A. Dental anxiety among children is common, so many dentists anticipate having to use calming techniques. These include distraction, non-verbal communication, simple instructions, positive reinforcement, voice control, and in some cases, sedation.
Q. How common is dental anxiety?
A. According to WebMD, between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental anxiety. People of all ages and backgrounds can suffer dental anxiety.
Q. Are there any other words for dental anxiety?
A. The term “dental anxiety” is most commonly interchanged with “dental phobia.” However, other synonymous terms include dentophobia, dental fear, fear of dentists, and odontophobia. These words all refer to the same phenomenon.
Q. Do I really need to go to the dentist if I have dental anxiety?
A. Putting off necessary dental treatments can be detrimental to your overall health. Patients who refrain from going to the dentist due to dental anxiety are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth. These, in turn, may lead to a decrease in self-esteem and negatively affect one’s overall quality of life.
Q. Will my dental anxiety get better over time?
A. Continued exposure and positive experiences with the dentist should lessen your dental anxiety over time. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may also benefit from seeking psychiatric help for your phobia at another facility along with the dental treatment tailored to your needs.
Dental Terminology
Decay
Dental Caries
Dental Checkup
Dental Filling
Dental Prophylaxis
Dental Sealants
Dentist
Gingivitis
Preventive Dentistry
Tartar
Tooth Enamel
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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