Does the thought of visiting your dental office fill you with a sense of fear or dread? You are not alone! Surveys estimate that dental phobia affects 13% to 24% of people across the globe. Continue reading to discover more about what dental phobia is and how to overcome it.
What is Dental Phobia?
Dental phobia is fear, stress, or anxiety associated with a dental visit. Being scared to visit the dentist often results in delayed appointment times with some not visiting until severe pain arises. Things like drills, needles, or the general setting of a dental office can trigger this anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Phobia
Individuals who have dental anxiety may experience:
- Sweating
- Low blood pressure and possible fainting
- Racing heartbeat
- Crying or signs of panic
How Dental Phobia May Affect Oral Health
Avoiding visits to the dentist can result in oral health complications and a greater need for emergency care. Not only are you more likely to develop oral-related disease from avoiding check-ups, but you are also missing out on learning ways to better care for your mouth.
How to Manage Dental Phobia
- Share your fears with your dentist. Being transparent about your anxiety gives your dentist crucial insight into how to properly give you care. One technique that may be utilized by your provider is a thorough explanation of each step they take.
- Plan ahead. Schedule your appointment on a day when you won’t feel rushed. Allowing yourself adequate time to prepare is important when considering the following techniques.
- Eat a balanced meal and drink plenty of water. Fueling yourself with nutritious food and drinks can prevent excess nerves from surfacing. If you are a regular coffee drinker, try something that has calming properties instead like caffeine-free tea.
- Practice deep breathing. Tuning into your breath can be a powerful way to find peace before, during, and after your dental visit. Consider downloading an app that provides visual cues for inhaling and exhaling.
- Listen to music or a podcast during the check-up. Ask your dentist if you can put in earbuds in order to seek relief from any triggering noises. If a television is located in your exam room, ask for it to be turned on.
- Know that you are in control. It can often feel that the dentist is an authority figure who holds all of the power. However, nothing could be further from the truth! You are paying for a service and are employing them to be your dentist.
Regular visits to your dental office are crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy mouth. When dental phobia gets in the way, re-visit this blog post to discover how you can manage your anxiety.
