Regular dental visits are essential for you if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, several people have a specific phobia when considering visiting a dentist. Dental anxiety could result from a family history, a feeling of lost control, or past negative experiences.
It is unfortunate that the longer an individual avoids a dentist, the higher the chances of developing dental complications—issues with oral health start to become severe. Hence, it is essential to visit the dentist regularly. If you are considering how to deal with dental anxiety, keep reading.
What is Dental Anxiety?
These days, dental anxiety is quite common among people, and it can affect any individual. The term is used to describe the feeling of fear, unease, or stress before or during dental treatment. Those scared to visit a dentist may delay or even avoid their dental treatment. It can be evidenced by sweating, elevating pulse rate, or a nervous stomach when visiting a dentist.
The fear is generally triggered by drills, needles, and thinking of visiting a dental clinic. Many report their past bad experiences from childhood as the leading cause of dental anxiety. Those facing this problem must make sure that they ask questions about how the dentist approaches them when they have such fears.
What are the Causes of Dental Anxiety?
There could be numerous reasons why an individual fears a dentist. Fear of needles, pain, losing personal space, embarrassment over oral health, and helplessness are common reasons for anxiety. Some people may not even realise that they have dental anxiety and can’t pinpoint the leading cause of the fear.
For some people, this irrational fear can turn into a terrible experience. It is worth mentioning that people don’t have to suffer in silence. An individual must be aware of how to deal with dental anxiety. Usually, the dentist helps them through their fear and offers them the dental care they expect.
Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety
When uneasiness and fear about visiting a dentist keep you from getting the required care, then with the following tips, you will understand how to deal with dental anxiety.
- Discuss Your Fears with the Dentist
As a patient, the most important thing is to discuss your fears with the dentist. This way, the dentist will be able to help you and let you know whether the dentist is right for you. If the dentist dismisses the fears, you will not be comfortable with the treatment.
- Look for the Relaxation Techniques
Practising the relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga before the dentist’s appointment can be very helpful. Even when you go for a long run, you will notice relaxation. So, you will have a calm and steady nervous system when you are in the dentist’s chair.
- Attend the Scheduled Appointments
The main drawback of dental anxiety is that people tend to cancel their dental appointments. Remember that if you don’t see the dentist for a long time, you will have more fear of returning. Therefore, you can develop decay and other dental complications without dental checkups.
- Bring Someone Whom You Trust
When you hold the hand of somebody you trust during stressful situations, it can significantly reduce your anxiety. It is better to ask a dentist if a person you love or trust can accompany you to help ease your mind and you have a better time.
Dental Anxiety Treatment in Coorparoo, QLD, Australia
A dentist must ensure that the patient is entirely confident and informed about the treatment. Dentists in Coorparo is committed to patient comfort and values open communication. Our team of experts takes additional precautions to alleviate the patient’s anxiety in both the short and long term.
If you are worried about how to deal with dental anxiety, our dentists are happy to discuss different solutions. Give us a call or schedule a consultation with us today!
