You know you should visit your dentist regularly. But getting that appointment on your calendar can be difficult, and not just because of your busy schedule.
Whether it’s the sterile smell, the buzzing and drilling sounds in the background, or the thought of someone being up close and personal with your mouth, going to the dentist can be unpleasant and stressful. In fact, 1 in 3 people report experiencing anxiety about dental appointments.
If this sounds like you, there are ways to minimize and manage your anxiety.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is when you have constant worry about an upcoming dental appointment. Dental anxiety is less severe than dental phobia. Although a person with dental anxiety may feel uncomfortable going to the dentist, they won’t cancel appointments or get physically sick just to avoid showing up.
How to Cope with Dental Anxiety
If you’re wondering if you should talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns, the answer is definitely yes. If your dentist knows what your fears are, they can work better with you to determine the best ways to make you feel less anxious and more comfortable.
Here are some strategies to help you cope:
Ask your dentist to explain what’s happening at each stage of the appointment or procedure so you can mentally prepare yourself for what’s to come. Set up a stop signal, such as raising your hand, to let the dentist know that you’d like them to stop what they’re doing immediately. Use it if you’re feeling uncomfortable, want to calm your mouth, or need to take a breath.
Why are people afraid of the dentist?
There are a number of reasons why people avoid the dentist, including:
A past painful or unpleasant experience. Dental fear often begins in childhood. This can come from a past unpleasant or painful experience at the dentist, or from horror stories that people hear from others or the media. Thanks to the many advances in dentistry made over the years, most dental procedures today involve much less pain and often none at all.
Fear of needles.
When it comes to dental procedures, many people are terrified of needles. Others are afraid that the anesthesia will not work on them or that it will not take effect before the procedure begins. This is no longer the case these days. To find a balance between fear and the realization of dental procedures, choose a dentist who represents trust and security. With Egla Dent, dental phobia is overcome forever.