Filtered by Oral Health Goal
Does the thought of visiting the dentist send shivers down your spine? Dental anxiety is a common fear that can prevent people from seeking necessary oral care. However, there is no need to let fear stop you from achieving a healthy smile. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to help you conquer dental anxiety and calm your nerves.
What do people have dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety can be classified as a form of phobia in which a patient might experience low blood pressure, palpitations, sweating and in some cases, fainting. Listed below are possible reasons why people might have dental anxiety:
a. Past traumatic dental experience
b. Fear of losing control
c. Being in a situation you cannot escape (agoraphobia)
d. Fear of hygiene (obsessive compulsive disorder)
1. Dental anxiety symptoms and causes
People who have dental anxiety may experience physical symptoms. Palpitations, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, chills or dizziness are just a few among them. Some may even start to panic and have insomnia before a dental appointment. Dental anxiety might develop due to past traumatic experiences as a child. Some conditions including generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a previous history of head and neck trauma can increase the risk of a person experiencing dental anxiety. Other conditions — such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia — may also increase the risk of an anxiety disorder.
2. How can dental anxiety affect your oral hygiene?
Dental anxiety can make people avoid visits to the dentist, which affects their oral hygiene. People who are fearful of dentists will do anything to procrastinate routine checkups, even when they are in pain. Delaying dental treatment and neglecting their oral health often lead to more severe dental problems that require more complex treatments. The urgent nature of these treatments worsens the phobia. Anxiety and stress can contribute to bad habits, such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, which can cause tooth wear and damage.
3. How to cope with dental anxiety?
It is essential to recognise the potential consequences of dental anxiety on oral hygiene. Delayed treatment and the development of detrimental habits are inhibitors to healthy teeth. Regular dental checkups and cleaning are essential to keep your mouth fresh and to avoid the need for more complicated dental procedures. Additionally, simple changes, like switching toothpaste flavours, can help create a more positive dental experience. By employing these strategies, you can conquer dental anxiety slowly but surely, and as you alleviate your dental phobia, both your smile and confidence will improve.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22594-dentophobia-fear-of-dentists
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/dental-health/visiting-the-dentist/coping-with-a-fear-of-the-dentist
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nervous-about-going-to-the-dentist-try-these-tips-to-ease-dental-anxiety/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fear
- https://www.smilesforlifeortho.com/blog/2019/10/dentist-anxiety-tips
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia
Being a dentist at the prestigious Tiew Dental, Dr Jacquelyn Lim is one you can rely on for accurate, professional advice. She graduated from University Malaya in 2019, and now has invaluable experience and knowledge, thanks to her time serving at government dental clinics. She has a special interest in Orthodontics and Periodontics. When she’s not treating patients at her clinic, she is either at the gym or travelling to her favourite destination.