How To Ease Dental Anxiety

Seeing the dentist offers a wide range of health benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. Regular check-ups provide early detection and prevention to help maintain the health of your teeth and gums to prevent dental disease such as periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay, which can be painful, costly, and affect your general health.

For most people, a trip to the dentist can be a positive experience, but for some, it can be a feeling of nervousness and fear, known as dental anxiety.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is characterized by a physical and/or emotional response to a perceived threat. It is the feeling of unease, nervousness, panic, and fear some people get when they go or think about seeing the dentist. It can cause physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart. According to researchers, between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe (ADHA).

Impact of Avoiding the Dentist

Fear of seeing the dentist can prevent people from getting the dental care they need, including preventive care. Avoiding dental care can lead to deteriorating oral health, which may require restorative and complex dental procedures.

Possible Causes of Dental Anxiety

There are many factors for dental anxiety, and it can vary from person to person. Some of the most common causes include:

Past negative experience at the dentist.
Fear of dental treatment procedures that include needles or dental drills.
Fear of pain.
Anxiety about the cost of dental treatment.

Helping Patients Manage Their Anxiety at the Dental Office

Dental fear can be challenging for both the patient and the dental professional. It can be a barrier for patients to receive proper dental care. The good news is that dentists are much more aware and ready to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Some effective strategies include:

The dentist and his/her team can establish a caring, calm, and empathetic atmosphere for their patients.
Numbing gels can be used around the gum area before injections are given. Injections have also been developed to cause little to no pain.
Creating a calm and welcoming waiting area by providing a space with comfortable chairs, calming colored walls, and relaxing music.

Knowing how to calm dental anxiety may encourage routine dental care. There are numerous successful approaches to help reduce anxiety before and during your dental appointment. It is best to have strategies in place before an appointment. If you are feeling anxious about seeing the dentist, try the tips below to help ease your anxiety.

Speak to friends and family. Ask if they can recommend a dentist who is skilled at reducing anxiety with their patients.
Talk with your dental provider. Be specific and let him/her know in advance about your anxiety. This will allow the opportunity to discuss care options to cope with your fear.
Try relaxing exercises. Focused breathing and meditation can help slow your heart rate, relax your muscles, and put you at ease.
Try distraction techniques. Listening to music or podcasts with headphones or using a stress relief ball can redirect your focus away from anxiety and provide a temporary break from feeling nervous.
Bring a trusted friend or a family member. Having someone to support you during your dental visit can help ease anxiety. Depending on the dental procedure, they may be able to sit in the same room with you. Check with the dental provider if visitors are allowed.
Schedule a dental appointment during a part of the day when you feel less stressed.
Visit the dentist regularly. This can help reduce dental anxiety each time you return.

Knowing how to ease dental anxiety can help you have a calmer experience each time you return to see the dentist for a lasting, healthy, and bright smile!