Do you get nervous just thinking about your next visit to the dentist? If you do, you should know that you are not alone.
According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 50% to 80% of adults in the US have some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe. The same study reports that an estimated 46% of patients in France and India have some degree of dental anxiety.
Simply defined, dental anxiety refers to unease about dental appointments. This unease often matures into avoidance, with most people only visiting the dentist’s office when they have serious dental problems that can no longer be ignored.
Postponing your dental visits is never a good idea. The professional orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible have created this detailed guide to help you understand what causes dental anxiety and how you can deal with the fear of visiting your dentist.
Do You Have Dental Anxiety?
People living with dental anxiety often experience distressing symptoms before their appointment with the dentist. These symptoms may include:
Inability to sleep the night before the visit.
Panic attacks.
Heart palpitations.
Low blood pressure.
Feeling faint.
Extreme sweating.
Aggressive behavior.
Withdrawal or using humor to mask the anxiety.
Visible distress and crying.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
According to a research study published online in 2013, dental anxiety is related to exogenous factors that range from traumatic experiences to learning through the media and significant others. The research study also notes that dental anxiety may be caused by endogenous factors such as personality traits and inheritance.
Below, we will take a deeper look at the causes of dental anxiety:
1. Fear of Pain
Most people harbor the assumption that dental procedures are inherently painful. The simple thought of having to undergo pain can make you fear visiting the dentist.
Thankfully, however, modern-day dental treatments and techniques are less invasive. They are more comfortable and gentler. What’s more, your dentist will do everything to ensure you do not feel pain.
2. Fear of the Unknown and Loss of Control
Sitting back in a chair – even for a procedure as simple as teeth whitening – can make some people claustrophobic and nervous. Others may get uncomfortable because they do not know what is about to happen.
Dentists do take care of the fear of the unknown. From amenities like headphones, blankets, and eye masks to help you relax to detailed explanations, your dentist will ensure you are fully comfortable.
3. Embarrassment
Maybe you have crooked teeth. Maybe you have taken too long before seeing your dentist and think that he/she may embarrass you for not flossing every day or for showing signs of non-ideal teeth maintenance.
Remember your dentist is focused on improving your dental health. The dentist will never judge or give you a lecture about your past oral health choices – he or she will, instead, help you achieve optimal dental health.
4. Bad Experiences in the Past
We are sad to say it, but some dentists – and orthodontists – do not take their time to offer their patients the best experience. Maybe you have come across bad dentists while prepping for your invisible teeth aligners or looking for a permanent solution to sensitive teeth.
The good news for you is that there are better dentists out there. The trick is to locate and work with a dentist that treats you with compassion and respect.
How to Deal with Dental Anxiety
A 2016 research study suggests the best ways to deal with dental anxiety. Among the strategies suggested in the article include:
1. Good Communication Between Patient and Dentist
Before your appointment, communicate all your concerns with the dentist or orthodontist. The dentist can take the necessary steps to make the procedure easier.
Your orthodontist can explain each step from start to finish so you understand what to expect. A good dentist will also recommend techniques that can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed at the appointment.
2. Breathing Exercises
Exercises involving deep breathing can help your mind relax, making you feel calmer. Close your eyes and then slowly inhale through the nose. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds. Then, exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat the process a couple of times.
3. Meditation
It is not uncommon for dental anxiety to worsen when sitting in the waiting room. In such a scenario, meditation can promote calmness and reduce stress.
Fix your eyes on an object or close them. Allow the body to relax. Pay attention to all parts of your body and use conscious effort to release all tension.
4. Guided Imagery
Visualize happy thoughts while sitting in your dentist’s chair. Think about positive or funny memories. Becoming nostalgic can make you happier, which can relax and calm your mind.
5. Distraction
A distraction in your dentist’s office may relieve anxiety. Ask your dentist if you can watch your favorite movie during the dental procedure. Also, ask if you can wear headphones and listen to calming music.
6. Bring a Friend
Support from a close friend or relative can calm your mind. Talk to your dentist and ask if you can bring someone to the dental office. The presence of someone you trust can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe.
7. Analgesia
This type of medication helps relieve pain. If you are feeling anxious about getting your transparent teeth aligners or dental braces, you can ask the orthodontist to use analgesia to reduce the anxiety. Your orthodontist may use nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas – before or during the procedure.
8. Anxiety-Relieving Medication
You can request your dentist to prescribe a short-acting anti-anxiety medication. This can lessen dental anxiety before the appointment. You will need to take the medication an hour before the dental visit.
9. Conscious Sedation
This option involves swallowing an oral sedative a couple of hours before the appointment. While you will remain conscious during the appointment, you will be in a very relaxed state.
10. General Anesthesia
This involves being fully unconscious or asleep during the procedure. This option is perfect for severe dental anxiety.
It is, however, worth noting that dental anesthesia is often administered in a hospital setting by a professional anesthesiologist. However, if your dentist has specialized training, he/she may administer general anesthesia at the dental office.
One Procedure You Do Not Need to Fear: Getting Your Invisible Teeth Aligners
At Straight Teeth Invisible, we specialize in giving our patients sharper smiles. Using transparent teeth aligners, we fix crooked teeth, allowing everyone to smile confidently.
Over the last few decades, we have generated positive results for thousands of clients. Always working to improve our methods, our dental braces installation procedure is safer, more comfortable, and non-invasive.
The orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible use their experience to give each patient a solution that works best for him/her. Book a FREE e-consultation today. A specialized orthodontist will work with you to find a solution that will offer the best results within a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can be affected by dental anxiety?
A very common issue, dental anxiety can affect people of any age. A study published in 2018 shows that both males and females can have dental anxiety.
How can I fix dental anxiety in my child before he/she reaches adulthood?
Dental anxiety in kids is often caused by bad dental experiences. However, unlike adults who often have a harder time getting rid of dental anxiety, kids find it much easier to overcome their fear. As a parent, all you have to do is ensure your child is well supported and cared for during future dental visits.
If bad experiences created my dental anxiety, how can I avoid bad experiences in the future?
Finding the right dentist or orthodontist is the key to avoiding bad experiences. When looking for a dentist or orthodontist, find one with great reviews from previous customers. With the internet, finding customer testimonials should be easy for you.
When you visit your new dentist for the first time, ensure his/her office is comfortable and relaxing and the staff is caring. Also, make sure the new dentist or orthodontist is capable of providing simple – and easy to understand – answers to your questions.
Why should I overcome dental anxiety?
Keeping you from visiting your dentist, dental anxiety can have a large number of negative repercussions. The most common ones include:
Tartar and plaque
Bad breath
Cavities
Gum disease
Loss of teeth
Infected teeth
Discolored teeth
Overcoming dental anxiety will help you avoid these problems.
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