Scared of the Dentist? You’re Definitely Not the Only One
It could be the drilling, a traumatic experience in the past, or even just a general sense of unease the second you walk in the door. Whatever the reason may be, if the thought of visiting the dentist makes your stomach churn, then you’re most definitely not alone. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and recognising this fact is often the first step in making dental visits more tolerable.
Why Do People Get Dental Anxiety?
There are several possible reasons someone may experience dental anxiety, including:
- A traumatic or painful experience in the past
- Fear of losing control while helpless on the dentist’s chair
- Sensitivity to certain stimuli (sound, sensation, etc)
- Or
- A generalised unease about the strange environment and procedures of the dentist’s chair.
For some people it may be a specific trigger, while for others it’s more of a blanket unease that has no specific root cause.
It’s More Common Than You Might Think
Nervousness about an upcoming dental appointment is an extremely common experience, varying in degree of intensity from person to person, but a huge proportion of people will experience it in some form or another. Recognising this as a common and normal experience (rather than a shameful weakness) is often the key to overcoming it.
Why Is It So Hard To Just… Go To The Dentist?
It’s a viscious cycle; anxiety leads to avoidance which leads to worsening dental health which makes future visits even more anxiety-inducing, and so on. Breaking this cycle often requires some kind of intervention, be it a simple conversation with your dentist or other professional help.
What Can You Do About It?
The most important thing you can do is to simply talk to your dentist and let him or her know you’re having these feelings.
Most dentists and hygienists will be completely understanding, as this is a very common issue.
Once you’ve communicated this to them, it becomes possible to discuss what you can do to make your experience more positive and less anxiety-inducing. Some common suggestions are:
- Letting the dentist know when you can and can’t hear what they’re saying (some people have really sensitive hearing during stressful moments)
- Going at a pace that’s comfortable for you
- Taking breaks as needed
- Using a ‘cancellation signal’ (raising your hand, for example) if you need to pause the procedure for any reason
- Having a conversation or examination-focused ‘trial run’ if you feel that would be helpful
Other suggestions include: scheduling your appointment for a time of day when you’re likely to be the most relaxed, listening to music (if permitted in the dentist’s office), focusing on your breathing during stressful moments, bringing a friend or relative along for moral support (if that’s your thing), or just starting with something simple like a routine cleaning. If you absolutely dread going to the dentist, it’s much better to just start with something simple and go from there, rather than put off any treatment until you’re in even more pain.
If None Of These Suggestions Help
Some people unfortunately have dental anxiety so severe it can’t just be ‘talked away’. If this is the case, then it’s important to discuss this with your dentist and come up with a plan that works for both of you.
What’s The Best Way To Prevent This In The Future?
As mentioned above, regular visits to the dentist (even if they’re just cleanings and examinations) can be an effective way of preventing larger problems in the future, which would also help prevent future dental anxiety. In short, regular dental visits help prevent issues, and they also help you get used to being in that environment so it doesn’t feel quite so strange and intimidating. If the thought of going to the dentist still frightens you, it’s a good idea to try and build that trust and familiarity slowly, so you can learn to associate that environment with positivity. It’s important to bear in mind that a lot of dentists are also aware of this issue and try to be as sensitive and accomdating as possible when dealing with anxious patients.
Summary
If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because of dental anxiety, then it’s hopefully now clear that you don’t have to. At Mumtaj Dental Care we urge you to talk to our dentists about how you’re feeling so that we can work together to help you feel more comfortable during future visits.
