Although it may not seem like it, fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety, is very common. It’s the reason many people don’t see a dentist regularly, which puts their oral health at risk. That’s why it’s important to learn how to overcome it.
Where dental anxiety comes from
There are several reasons why dental anxiety appears. It’s usually linked to bad experiences in the past, and also to the discomfort of the first teeth coming through.
Other reasons can include having objects in your mouth or suffering pain because of a mistake by the dentist. The cost of the treatment you need, and the fear of not being able to pay for it, also play a part.
Studies also confirm that parents pass their fear on to their children, so it can be considered hereditary. That’s why parents play a key role in not passing on a fear of the dentist to their little ones.
The dentist-patient relationship
To keep our mouths healthy, we need to see the dentist regularly. Even so, some people go years without a visit because of the anxiety it causes them. However, it’s worth remembering that regular dental check-ups help prevent more serious problems further down the line.
If you don’t know how to overcome dental anxiety, the secret may lie in the dentist themselves. It’s important to find someone you trust, who explains all the treatments you need and how they work and, of course, who helps you feel calm and relaxed.
Bear in mind that your dentist doesn’t want to hurt you. What’s more, today’s treatments and technology are very advanced, so you can feel calmer and more comfortable in the chair. There are also dentists who specialise in treating patients with dental anxiety.
If this is your case, it’s a good idea to tell the dentist before your appointment: that way they’ll know what’s going on and can act accordingly. The dentist will give you advice and try to ease your anxiety.
If necessary, it’s also worth visiting several dentists and asking the people closest to you for recommendations, so you find a dentist who really puts you at ease. It’s best to choose someone kind and easy to talk to. Also, find out whether other people with the same problem have been to their practice; that way you can clear up any doubts.
The appointment: how to prepare
Once you’ve found the right dentist, you don’t need to have any treatment at your first visit: it’s better to get to know them and explain your situation.
You should also keep in mind how important oral health is and why these treatments are needed, because if you don’t look after your mouth, more serious problems will follow, such as infections or tooth loss.
Try to pin down what causes your anxiety and talk it through with the dentist. That way, they can look for solutions to the specific issues you raise. At the first appointment, the usual thing is a simple check-up or a clean, so there’s no need to worry about more complex treatments yet.
It also helps to find a way to relax before or during the appointment, for example going for a walk, booking a morning slot or listening to music during the visit. Your dentist will usually suggest things you can do in the hours before your appointment to reduce anxiety, and you’ll find more ideas in our 10 tips to overcome fear of the dentist.
How to overcome dental anxiety
Preparing before you go to the dentist is very important, so follow these recommendations and pay attention to a few details:
- Visit the practice before booking your appointment. This gives you the chance to meet the dentist who will treat you and explain your fears.
- Look for an understanding professional who can tell you whether treatment under dental sedation is possible. It should be someone you trust, which is the most important thing for people with anxiety, especially when it stems from a previous bad experience.
- Usually, the first appointment is a check-up and doesn’t hurt, so there’s no need to worry about surgery. You can also start with teeth whitening or a clean, and later take on more complex dental treatments, depending on your needs.
- Technology is very advanced, so most treatments no longer cause pain and sedation is always an option.
- If what makes you anxious is having objects in your mouth, it helps to tackle it beforehand. At home, practise holding a spoon in your mouth for a few minutes a day. That way, having something in your mouth will feel less strange when you go to the appointment.
Recommendations
- Bring someone with you as a companion. The dentist won’t mind, and it will help you relax.
- Agree a signal with your dentist to ask for a pause or let them know it hurts. You’ll feel more in control and able to calm down. You’ll also avoid sudden movements, so neither of you is put at risk.
- Listen to music that calms you during the appointment.
- Arrive just on time or only a few minutes early, so waiting doesn’t trigger your anxiety. If you do have to wait, distract yourself by reading or chatting to someone.
- Ask the dentist to explain what they’re doing as they work. Hearing their voice may relax you, and you’ll know what’s happening at every moment.
At Clínica Dental Acosta Cubero we know that fear of the dentist is real: book your first visit and tell us how you feel.
