From the fear of heights and flying, to needles and the dentist’s office, everyone has their own anxieties to deal with.
Whether it’s the sterile smell, the buzzing sound of the drill, or the bright white lights, going to the dentist can be incredibly stress-inducing.
The way dentists are portrayed in the entertainment industry surely doesn’t help ease any anxiety surrounding your visit to the dentist and might even be the cause of these fears.
If you ever get nervous at the thought of going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Almost 60% of the general population feels anxious before their dentist visit, some even avoiding the whole ordeal completely.
Learning more about your anxiety and how to manage it will help you feel more relaxed in the dentist’s chair, allowing you to take care of your teeth and have a healthy, white smile.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is quite common and can affect everyone. It’s broadly described as the feeling of fear and stress associated with being in a dental setting.
Those fears can cause people to delay their visit to the dentist, though by doing so they’d be putting themselves at risk of developing dental problems that may require more severe procedures.
There are a handful of factors that can trigger dental anxiety. Things like needles, the sound of the dental equipment, and feeling like you’re not in control may cause you to feel uneasy and uncomfortable.
Openly speaking about your fears and communicating your feelings to your dentist will help their dental team make accommodations for you to make you feel as relaxed as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Each person reacts differently in both a physical and mental way when they’re under stress. Whether we’re worried or anxious, we all exhibit some of the following symptoms.
- Racing heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Low blood pressure and fainting
- Panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping before the appointment
- Nervousness that gets worse over time
- Using humour or aggression to mask anxiety
These symptoms don’t necessarily appear every time you visit the dentist. Each feeling you get will depend on what has triggered the anxiety and how well you’re able to manage it.
Healthily Coping and Managing Your Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can affect people of all ages, from children to seniors. Learning the right coping strategies will help you deal with your stress to have a successful next visit.
Certain breathing exercises can relax your mind and make you feel calmer. Start by closing your eyes and taking a deep breath, making sure to inhale through your nose. Hold it for a few seconds then slowly exhale through your mouth. This is especially useful for people who get panic attacks as a result of their anxiety.
Meditation is another great strategy to use, as it can be done anywhere, even in the dentist’s chair. When you’re seated, either close your eyes or focus on a single object.
Allow your body to completely relax and make a conscious effort to release tension from different parts of your body.
Finally, don’t be hesitant to communicate your fears to your dentist. Since dental anxiety is quite common, dentists can recommend relaxation techniques and are able to guide you through the process step by step.
A Superior Dental Experience at Yazdani Dental Clinic
Regular dental visits are important in maintaining your oral health. Dental anxiety and stress can come in the way of doing so, preventing you from getting the help you need.
Our dental staff at Yazdani Family Dentistry strive to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for all of our clients. Please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help make your experience more pleasant.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help with your dental anxiety and book your next appointment with confidence.
