Dental anxiety & 10 tips to prevent it

Dental anxiety is extremely common. As a dentist it is a daily occurrence that a patient mentions that they fear the dentist, or even that they “hate dentists”! Dental anxiety or dental phobia is real and is something which we take very seriously. We pride ourselves in our ability to help patients to overcome their fears and feel comfortable again with having dental maintenance.

A recent UK study shows that up to 53% of patients experience anxiety before visiting the dentist, with 17% suffering from a level of dental phobia which causes them to avoid the dentist completely.

Avoiding regular dental check-ups can significantly affect your oral health, and mental health in some extreme cases. Problems can include a build-up of plaque and tartar, cavities, bad breath, gum disease and tooth loss. It is not uncommon for those who put-off their visits to have experienced long periods of pain in their teeth and gums, and a lot of mental turmoil as a further result.

Here are our best dental anxiety tips to help manage and overcome your fears.

Most dental phobias stem back to a previous bad experience, often in childhood. It is essential that you feel your dentist is someone who can put you at ease and help you regain confidence in having dental work.

Anxiety can significantly increase if you are waiting all day for your appointment, so it is best to book it for as early as you can. The same goes for arriving too early at the practice. Aim to arrive within 5-10 minutes of your appointment and take something you enjoy reading along.

Talking to your dentist about dental anxiety and any specific concerns you have, will help them to understand your needs and to take steps in making you feel more at ease.

A calm description of the procedure will make you feel more confident and put you at ease in the chair. Don’t be afraid to also ask questions throughout the appointment to further reduce nerves.

Before starting any procedure, speak to your dentist about using a signal, such as raising your hand, to communicate with your dentist if you need a break or are feeling uncomfortable. Knowing you can stop any time will help you to feel more in control.

Never leave the practice without booking your next 6 monthly check-up. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to tackle issues early when they are smaller and more easily treated. It will also normalise the process as part of your routine and something you will feel more comfortable with.

Start with the most basic dental treatment, such as a clean and polish or a check-up. Once you feel more confident visiting the dentist, you can start to book the more complex treatments that you need. This process will help you to build confidence in your dentist, their team and within yourself. Remember, if the rungs are too far apart, you can never climb a ladder.

For severe dental anxiety, it takes time to truly overcome the phobia. You may make great improvements, and then one day feel like you have lost all confidence again. Do not be disheartened. Speak to your dentist regularly and reflect on the progress you have made so far.

Dental phobias can very easily be passed on to your children. If your children see you are scared of something they naturally learn that it is something to be feared. It is best to always keep calm and talk slowly but confidently about dentistry around them.

If your anxiety is severe or difficult to manage, you may want to consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety. Please ask your dentist for recommendations.

All of our team are highly experienced with patients who suffer from dental anxiety, from mild to severe cases. Please do not hesitate to let us know prior to your treatment that you experience this and we will do our very best to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your time with us. Your dentist will cater to your specific needs for a fully personalised and pleasant experience. To book an appointment, please click here.