Have you ever been nervous to visit the dentist before?
If you answered yes, you wouldn’t be the only one.
36% of the population is estimated to experience dental anxiety. What’s more, 12% of the population even has a phobia of the dentist. This is called dentophobia.
In this article, we break down not only the causes and symptoms of dentophobia but also discuss ways to overcome this fear.
If you suffer from severe dentophobia and are looking to reduce your anxiety about the dentist, read on!
What Is Dentophobia?
Dentophobia, by definition, is the intense fear associated with visiting the dentist or receiving dental care.
This anxiety usually extends to general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Traumatic experiences, sensitive teeth, and other peoples’ horror stories are common instigators of this phobia.
Dentophobia Symptoms
The symptoms of dentophobia can vary. Like most phobias, dentophobia can produce intense anxiety leading to:
- Nausea
- Increased perspiration
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain or tightness
- Hot and cold flashes
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
Experiencing these symptoms at a dentist’s office is distressing. They can make you more susceptible to sensitivity, pain, and complications caused by jumpiness during a procedure.
How To Cope With Dentophobia
It is recommended to visit your dentist on a bi-annual basis. This prevents tooth pain, tooth loss, and gum disease due to delayed or neglected dental care.
To make these visits less intimidating, try these techniques that can bring your anxiety down to a manageable level.
Inform Your Office Beforehand
Call your office beforehand. Speak with a receptionist and your dentist on the phone and inform them about your concerns. A good practitioner, such as The Bondi Dentists, will sympathize with you and take measures to de-escalate any anxiety before you arrive.
If an office seems unconcerned or uncaring, go to a different practice.
Discuss a Safe Word With Your Dentist
With your dentist, establish a cue or safe word to give to them if you begin to feel very uncomfortable.
This way, they can stop what they are doing and you can either take a break or ask a question.
Ask To Be Informed During the Process
Ask your dentist about what you can expect to feel during your visit, and how long you can expect each sensation to last.
Knowing what to expect can lessen your anxiety by preventing any surprises.
Bring Along a Trusted Friend
Bring along someone who does not have a fear of the dentist or who makes you feel comfortable. Ask for them to come back with you for the duration of your visit.
Also, ask to be driven to and from the office so that you do not experience any added stress from driving in traffic on the way.
Distract Yourself
Have a conversation with the dentist, ask or respond to questions, listen to music, or watch a TV show. Direct your attention to something other than the work happening on your teeth.
Relaxation Techniques
Try out relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga to reduce the intensity of your physical symptoms. To calm yourself mentally, tell yourself reaffirming thoughts.
Ask About Possible Anxiety Medication/Sedatives
If all else fails, ask your provider about taking an anxiety medication beforehand to reduce your anxiety. Dentists commonly prescribe medication for nervous patients to take a day or sooner before an upcoming visit.
Over-the-counter products such as green tea, essential oils, or stress relief dietary supplements may also be effective.
Smile, You’ve Got This
As you can tell, there are many ways to combat the effects of dentophobia.
From bringing a friend to seeking out a dentophobia-accommodating clinic to practicing relaxation methods, there are countless ways to overcome your dentophobia.
Now get out there and show the world (and your dentist) your smile!
Check out the health column of our blog for more great health and wellness advice!
