30th May 2022
How To Overcome Your Phobia For Dentists
4 Ways to Overcome Your Dental Phobia
Having extreme anxiety at the dentist is actually more common than you might think, and it doesn’t just affect children. Adults of all ages can also experience a fear of the dentist, whether from past experience, unfamiliarity or due to an oral health concern. Today, our dentists at Tunbridge Wells are here to show you how to overcome your phobia, to make trips to the dentist less of a concern. After all, the health of our mouth, teeth and gums is just as important as the health of our body.
How common is dental phobia in the UK?
Having extreme anxiety at the dentist is actually more common than you might think, and it doesn’t just affect children. Adults of all ages can also experience a fear of the dentist, whether from past experience, unfamiliarity or due to an oral health concern. Today, our dentists at Tunbridge Wells are here to show you how to overcome your phobia, to make trips to the dentist less of a concern. After all, the health of our mouth, teeth and gums is just as important as the health of our body.
Can dentists tell if you have anxiety?
Dentists are trained to recognise signs of anxiety in their patients, even if it’s not explicitly mentioned. Observable dental anxiety symptoms such as nervousness, fidgeting, sweating, increased heart rate, or difficulty sitting still may indicate anxiety. Additionally, patients may exhibit avoidance behaviours, such as canceling appointments or reluctance to undergo certain procedures. Dentists may also pick up on verbal cues, such as expressions of fear or discomfort when discussing treatment options or procedures. By being attentive to these signs, dentists can adjust their approach and provide additional support and reassurance to help alleviate their patients’ anxiety.
What is the difference between dental fear and dental anxiety?
Dental fear and dental anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they represent different levels of apprehension towards dental visits. Dental fear typically refers to a specific phobia or intense fear of dental procedures, often stemming from a past traumatic experience or fear of pain. On the other hand, dental anxiety is a more generalised feeling of unease or nervousness about visiting the dentist, which may not be tied to a specific trigger. Dental anxiety management encompasses a range of techniques and strategies aimed at helping patients cope with their apprehension and feel more comfortable during dental visits. These may include communication techniques, relaxation exercises, sedation options, and creating a supportive environment to address patients’ concerns and minimise their anxiety.
4 Ways to Overcome Your Dental Phobia
1. Get familiar
We’ve already touched on unfamiliarity, because fear of the dentist is often down to too few visits or too large a gap between them. The more comfortable you are in the practice, the more you’ll feel at ease – meaning treatment is a breeze. You’ll also get to know the team; understand some of the tools and procedures used in treatments and check-ups; and know exactly where you’ll be seen and what the set-up is like.
2. Take a Friend
There’s strength in numbers, so if you’re feeling vulnerable or want someone to be there with you, we understand and can accommodate (covid willing). It’s perfectly normal to want a chaperone with you if you’re nervous about a treatment or needing something more than a quick check-up, and we’re happy to do this for you.
3. Play Some Music
Wearing earphones and concentrating on something else – like music – helps take your mind off what’s happening. Our team are perfectly happy for you to put your head down! Of course, we’re also a friendly bunch and can talk to you throughout your treatment to ease nerves. If it helps, we can also explain what we’re looking at and what we’re doing, at the same time. We offer the opportunity to play music of your choice during your appointment along with a movie or TV show you can watch with the screen above you.
4. Practise Deep Breathing
There are lots of ways to try and calm your body when you’re feeling stressed, nervous or anxious. One great tip is to breathe in deeply for a few seconds, then exhale gently for a few seconds. Again, thinking about something other than the situation can really help. If this doesn’t help, why not try the breathing exercise with something like a stress ball or fidget spinner, or try counting at the same time.
Here at The Town House we have experience with nervous dentist patients and offer a range of techniques to help make you more relaxed which you can read more here, along with sedation.
What are the consequences of dental phobia?
Dental phobia can have significant consequences on both oral health and overall well-being. Individuals with dental phobia often avoid seeking necessary dental care, leading to untreated dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and infections. Over time, these untreated conditions can worsen, causing pain, discomfort, and potential tooth loss. Moreover, dental phobia may contribute to a cycle of escalating fear and avoidance, as the longer dental visits are postponed, the more likely it becomes for dental problems to develop, leading to more complex and potentially invasive treatments in the future. Additionally, dental phobia can impact mental health, causing increased stress, anxiety, and embarrassment about the condition of one’s teeth. Seeking support from a compassionate dental team and exploring dental anxiety management techniques can help individuals overcome their phobia and regain control of their oral health.
Book a virtual consultation
Our dentists in Tunbridge Wells and Brighton & Hove prioritise you and your oral health – whether you’re a regular patient or one who’s scared of coming in. Give us a try today, and book a virtual consultation from the comfort of your own home.