Dental Anxiety

If you're nervous about an upcoming dental visit, try these ways to curb your Anxiety:

• Share your fears. If you're tense or anxious, tell your dentist and the dental staff. Expressing your concerns will help your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs.
• Focus on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures. When people are nervous they tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic. As in some meditation techniques, a focus on slow, regular breathing helps reduce stress levels.
• Listen to some tunes. If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring along your favorite music and earphones.
• Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid caffeine before a dental appointment. Eat high-protein foods which – unlike sugary foods – produce a calming effect.
• Use hand signals. Empower yourself by agreeing on hand signals to communicate with your dentist. When you feel uncomfortable, signal the dentist to ease off or stop the procedure.
• Choose a low-stress appointment time. Select a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. This might mean a Saturday or an early-morning appointment.
• Get some good reviews. If you’re looking for a dentist, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A glowing review about a dentist from someone you trust can help reduce your anxiety.

Dental anxiety is very common. Studies show that more than 75% of adults feel some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. If you are feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, talk to us to discuss ways to manage your anxiety. We can also discuss sedation options, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation, to help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.

Oral anxiety relieving (anxiolytic) medications (such as temazepam) are sometimes prescribed by dentists or doctors to help anxious patients relax. A short-acting, small, single dose is usually taken one hour before the dental appointment.

Medication should only be taken following discussion with your dentist or doctor. You will need someone to accompany you to and from the dental visit as you cannot safely drive a car while under the influence of anxiolytic medication.

Avoiding the dentist can result in the worsening of the dental disease, a greater need for emergency care, or more complex treatment. Also, it can feed the underlying problem of dental anxiety. This is known as the ‘vicious cycle of dental anxiety.

Regular dental check-ups, cleans and screening X-rays can prevent dental disease and help the dentist find any problems early, so that simpler and less invasive treatments are needed.

By avoiding going to the dentist, not only are you more likely to need more complex treatments when you do finally attend, but you are also missing out on learning how to better care for your oral health.

Most dental disease is lifestyle-related and preventable. The lifestyle factors that lead to dental disease are very similar to those that lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke and some cancers, so taking care of your oral and general health is very important.