It’s normal to feel nervous or even scared about visiting the dentist. One study found that as many as 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 10 children experience high dental fear, which can result in people delaying appointments or avoiding dentists altogether.
Many factors can contribute to dental anxiety, such as previous traumatic experiences, certain personality traits, and being unknowledgeable about treatments. That’s why it can be helpful for some to be fully informed about procedures. For example, if you’ve experienced tooth loss, being aware of factors like dental implants and prices may help ease your nerves about the unknown. Similarly, learning more about dental anxiety and strategies to overcome it can also be beneficial.
If you find yourself putting off your next dental check-up, this article is for you. It’s a guide to how you can overcome the barriers that are behind your dental anxiety, and finally put your fears to bed.
Defining dental anxiety
Dental anxiety, sometimes called dental fear, refers to when someone experiences fear, anxiety, or stress related to dental settings. It is a common condition and can affect people of any age.
In severe cases, dental anxiety can also develop into a dental phobia, known as dentophobia or odontophobia. This can result in the individual experiencing irrational fear regarding the dentist, avoiding appointments, and worsening their oral health.
Some mental health conditions can also contribute to developing dental anxiety and/or worsen the symptoms. For example, these include generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The common signs & symptoms
The exact signs and symptoms of dental anxiety will vary depending on the individual. People with the condition may experience:
- A racing heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Visible signs of distress, like crying or panicking
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting (syncope)
- Sweating
It’s also common for people with dental anxiety to withdraw, use humour, or become aggressive to mask their fear. If you believe you’re experiencing signs of dental anxiety, it’s recommended to speak to a professional, like a psychologist.
What causes dental anxiety?
There is no one exact cause of dental anxiety. While it has been generally regarded that the underlying cause of dental anxiety is due to negative dental experiences, this isn’t always true – the condition can be more complex than that.
Dental anxiety can be caused by a single factor, or it can be caused by a combination of factors – it depends on the individual. A few of the factors that can contribute to the development of dental anxiety and phobias include:
- A negative dental or healthcare experience
- Previous trauma to the head and neck
- A pre-existing mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
- The view that accessing the mouth is an invasion of personal space
- The individual has trust issues and/or a fear of loss of control
Pre-existing phobias, such as agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where the individual feels they can’t escape) or claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces), can also increase the chance of developing dental anxiety. This is because dental procedures can trigger these phobias, even if they aren’t explicitly tied to dentists.
Regular bad experiences and emotional reactions at the dentist can also lead to a person having a negative association with the space.
How to manage the condition
There are many ways people can manage their dental anxiety or phobia. First of all, it is always important to let your dentist know if you experience dental anxiety or a phobia. This allows them time to make any preparations needed to accommodate your fears.
If you know any specific triggers that worsen your dental anxiety or phobia, it’s essential to discuss these with your dentist. That way, they can avoid them when providing care. Dentists can also provide the following to help manage the fear short term.
- Relative analgesia, also known as happy gas
- Conscious sedation or general anaesthesia
- Anxiety-relieving medication
It’s critical to remember that not all dentists will offer medical management for dental anxiety. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, we recommend seeking guidance from a mental health professional. Psychologists, for instance, can help you understand the root cause of your anxieties and help you overcome them through targeted therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Research has shown that CBT is effective for overcoming the fear of dental procedures.
If you can’t beat your dentist anxiety on your own, it’s normal and recommended to seek professional help. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for your oral health and overall well-being.
