For many, a dental visit is routine. However, for others, it can trigger feelings of fear, stress or unease. This is known as Dental Anxiety and these feelings can range from mild nervousness to severe fear (dental phobia). Triggers vary from person to person and may include the prospect of an upcoming appointment, the sound of a dental drill or even the smell of a dental practice. Unfortunately, dental anxiety can cause patients to avoid dental appointments which can have serious consequences for oral health.
According to Dental Phobia, up to 53% of the UK population are anxious about visiting their dentist and 17% of the population have such a bad fear of dentistry that they refuse to visit and avoid seeking essential dental care.
This avoidance can exacerbate oral health problems and the anxiety itself can affect overall well-being and negatively impact mental health.
Do you suffer from Dental Anxiety? If so, here are some tips to help you manage it:
1. Communicate how you feel. Share your concerns with your dentist before your appointment. By knowing how you feel, your dentist will adapt their approach to help ease your anxiety. Hand signals during the appointment can also let the dentist know if you need to pause and take a break.
2. Bring support. Bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment with you as they can provide reassurance and comfort
3. Use relaxation techniques. Practise mindfulness, relaxation or breathing exercises to reduce your anxiety and calm your mind before and during your appointment. There are many relaxation techniques available so find one that works best for you. Regular practice of these techniques will prepare you to use them effectively when needed.
4. Imagery. Whilst sitting in the dentist chair, visualise a relaxing or happy place or think about funny or positive past memories. This technique can help calm and relax your mind, soothing your anxiety.
5. Take one step at a time. Start with a simple check-up to build trust and confidence with your dentist.
6. Distraction. Music is a great tool to alleviate anxiety so bring headphones to listen to your favourite calming playlist. Some dentists have TVs above the chair for you to watch a programme or film during your appointment.
7. Identify the cause. Dental anxiety may arise from a variety of sources such as previous negative experiences, fear of pain or discomfort during a procedure, the feeling of losing control while sitting in the dental chair or self-consciousness about your teeth. By identifying the underlying cause and what specifically triggers your anxiety, you can take steps to alleviate your anxiety.
8. Challenge negative thoughts. Anxiety is often fuelled by negative thinking so challenge these thoughts and replace them with more helpful and positive ones.
9. Create a personalised anxiety-reducing list. It is hard to think clearly when anxiety takes over so write down strategies that help you manage anxiety. Having a list prepared can help you stay calm and focused.
10. Get professional support. If you are struggling to manage your dental anxiety on your own, reach out for help. It is important to not suffer alone and get overwhelmed by how you are feeling. Seeking support is a sign of strength and courage and working with a psychotherapist can empower you to take control of your anxiety and positively transform your experience of visiting the dentist.
If dental anxiety is holding you back from achieving optimal oral health, remember that you are not alone-it is a common experience. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome your fears and embrace dental care as an essential part of your overall health.
For further help with managing dental anxiety or general anxiety, please click here to arrange an initial FREE 15-minute telephone call with me or e-mail directly alison@therapyhere.co.uk.
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