Does the thought of visiting your dentist send your heart rate through the roof? You’re not alone! Studies have shown that dentophobia, or dental anxiety, affects 60 – 77% of the population. Why is fear of visiting the dentist so widespread? How do we develop this fear, and what can we do to combat it? Let’s look a little deeper into the reasons why people suffer from dental anxiety and how we can change that experience.

Your mouth is the center of some of the most important and basic life sustaining functions. We eat and breath through our mouths. Allowing anyone else to have control over our mouth means trusting them enough to put our life in their hands. It requires intense vulnerability to allow someone to have that kind of control over our mouthes because in theory they could threaten our life, even though no dentist wants to do that.

Another reason it can be so difficult to let a dentist access our mouthes is because unlike most other parts of the body, we can’t watch what they are doing while they work. This means they may do things we don’t expect, and we have little understanding of how they work.

Some people have trouble getting numb with anesthesia and may have experienced discomfort in the dental chair before. Or, we may have experienced dental pain that stems from an untreated problem, but know that dental pain can flare up suddenly. Other experiences at the dentist that may be unpleasant are unusual tastes, spraying water, trouble moving “fat” numb lips, or high-pitched noises. Also, some people fear injections of any kind and know that a trip to the dentist will likely require an injection.

Pop culture and your own social circles may also influence your feelings about going to the dentist. Dental stories of treatments gone wrong or discomfort may lead to dental anxiety. However, stories have a way of getting repeated or embellished. Also, sometimes we pass along our insecurities unintentionally, even when we are trying to avoid doing so. For example, a parent may spend a lot of time reassuring a child that there is nothing to fear at the dentist, but their obsession and insistence on the topic betrays their own thoughts that they may be reason to fear.

Talking with your dentist is one of the most important things you can do. Not only will this let them know what your specific fears are and help them treat those things with extra care, but it will also give them an opportunity to educate you. Often fear comes from not knowing what to expect. If you discuss which parts of the treatment are most concerning, your dentist can help talk you though what you can expect and what they will be doing to remove some of that fear. If your dentist doesn’t take you seriously, or doesn’t listen to your anxiety, find a new dentist who will respect you. Trust is an important part of a dentist-patient relationship.

Think through the steps of the visit before you come. You can verbally process with another person or aloud to yourself, or even journal. What is going to happen? What are you afraid of happening? What is the worst case scenario? Best case scenario? What could help make you more at ease?

Sometimes, you may need a break during treatment. Arrange a signal ahead of time to let your dentist know you need him or her to stop immediately. The easiest signal is to just raise your hand. That way, you don’t need to be worried that you can’t communicate your needs to the dentist.

Taking full, deep breaths can help reduce your blood pressure and anxiety. Concentrate on taking slow deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.

You know what calms you best. Plan ahead for a stressful visit by bringing your own soft-textured or heavy blanket from home. Children may want to bring along a stuffed animal or other comfort object. Some people find that essential oils or certain scented lotions may bring them peace. It’s best to ask your dental office before bringing in any strong scents to make sure there are no allergies. You can also bring a device to can play music that comforts or distracts you. If you’re planning on wearing headphones, be sure to discuss it with your dentist first to make sure you have a plan for communicating while they work.

Beyond the basic level of dental anxiety, some people become incapacitated by their fear of the dentist. They may experience panic attacks, pass out, or even become violent. If you would classify your anxiety as extreme, talk with your dentist about options for treating your anxiety. In some cases, the best way to handle extreme anxiety may be medication, sedation, or psychiatric treatment. It is important that you visit your dentist and care for your teeth, even if you struggle with extreme dental anxiety.

At West One Family Dental, we understand that people are often uncomfortable in the dental chair. We take your dental anxiety and concerns seriously and have strategies for helping you overcome your fear. If you’re looking for a dentist that will help you conquer your anxiety, give us a call at 719-633-8766.

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