Does the thought of going to a dentist’s appointment leave you feeling anxious and nervous? If so, you are not alone. Dental anxiety, the fear of dental appointments and dental procedures is extremely common. In fact, according to research conducted in 2015, almost 82% of people experience anxiety before or during their dentist appointment. In this article, we’ll look at the causes of dental anxiety, while also looking at a few ways to overcome it
Why Do People Fear Dental Appointments?
There are several reasons why people might fear going to the dentist. They are:
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Past Negative Experiences
One of the most common reasons why people might fear going to the dentist is a past negative experience. Maybe you had a very painful experience the last time you went to a dentist, or you had a difficult experience with the dentist as a child or there was an unexpected complication in your previous dental appointment. All these memories can get deeply ingrained and have a lasting impact on our minds, causing a lot of fear.
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Fear Of Needles
Many people have a fear of needles, and the thought of having a needle inserted in your mouth can be especially distressing. Also, the sight of needles and syringes combined with the noise of a drill can make the experience even more distressing,
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Anticipation of Pain
Many people associate dental procedures with extreme pain. This could be due to painful experiences from the past or the stories of difficult dental experiences from others. The anticipation of pain could also come from the media portrayal of dental procedures. Movies and TV shows often depict dental procedures as painful and difficult, creating a negative perception. Additionally, many people fear that the anaesthesia might not work, due to which they will suffer from extreme pain.
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Underlying Mental Health Conditions
People with pre-existing mental health conditions are more prone to dental anxiety as compared to others. Research suggests that people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, claustrophobia, agoraphobia or depression are more likely to experience dental anxiety.
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Loss Of Control
Lying in a dentist’s chair with your mouth open can be a distressing experience. Being in a vulnerable position with limited ability to move or communicate can further increase anxiety. The inability to see what’s happening and the sense of helplessness contribute to this fear,
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Invasion Of Personal Space
Dental treatments require dentists to be physically close to their patients. The level of proximity can feel invasive to some people, The discomfort of having someone work inside their mouth and the close contact can trigger feelings of anxiety and unease.
How To Overcome Dental Anxiety?
- Talk to your dentist openly about your worries during the appointment or before a dental procedure. Ask them any doubts and questions that you might have.
- Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing and guided imagery before and during the dentist appointment. Close your eyes and try to imagine yourself in a safe and peaceful place during the procedure, to feel a sense of calm
- Ask the dentist if you can listen to music on headsets during the procedure
- Take a friend or a family member along with you so that you have some emotional support during the procedure.
- In some cases, the dentist may recommend sedatives to ease the anxiety during a procedure.
Conclusion:
Dental anxiety is a common yet distressing experience, but that doesn’t have to stop you from taking care of your dental hygiene. By understanding the causes and implementing the above-mentioned strategies, you can make your dental appointments less stressful.
References:
- Dental anxiety: What to know. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-know-about-dental-anxiety#causes
- Dentophobia (Fear of Dentists): Causes, Symptoms & Treatments. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists
- Easing Dental Anxiety: Coping Methods that Can Help. (2021, April 15). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/dental-anxiety
- Easing Dental Anxiety in Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults
