Dental anxiety or dentophobia is a common occurrence. A study estimated that about 36% of the population fears visiting a dentist. In addition, about 12% of this population suffers from extreme dental phobia. This fear of dentists can lead to poor oral health and reduced quality of life, causing individuals to avoid necessary dental care.
Untreated dental issues can cause pain, discomfort, and potentially severe health problems. This avoidance can also impact overall well-being by causing stress and anxiety related to dental visits, leading to a reduced quality of life.
If you fear a dental visit and this anxiety prevents you from visiting one, a few simple tricks can help you cope. This article will explore these tricks in detail.
Table of Contents
What is Dental Phobia?
Dental phobia indicates an extreme fear of dentists. First defined by Coriat, the term suggests an excessive dread of anything being done to the teeth. The anxiety can be so extreme that even the thought of visiting a dentist may cause restlessness.
An adult dental health survey conducted in 2009 found that dental anxiety in patients has considerably reduced. Incidences of extreme dental phobia, however, are constant. This means that people harbor an extreme fear of dentists and avoid visiting a clinic even in emergencies.
In general, a person can have different types of dental phobia and may be afraid of one or more of the below:
- Anesthetic
- Blood
- Dentist
- Choking
- Needles
- Pain
- Smell
- Noise
As per the National Institutes of Health, impaired oral health can lead to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
Hence, if you are scared of dentists, focusing on specific coping strategies that can help improve your overall health is essential.
Coping Strategies of Dental Phobia
Here are some techniques that can help in coping with dental phobia:
1. Breathing Exercises
Emotions and breathing are closely related. Understanding this relationship can help you in dealing with anxiety and stress.
You can practice these exercises to reduce stress before a dental appointment. Before visiting a dentist, sit in a quiet space and:
- Close your eyes
- Inhale slowly through your nose
- Hold your breath for a few seconds
- Slowly exhale through your mouth
- Repeat for about 5-6 times
This simple technique can instantly make you feel calm and prepare you for the appointment.
2. Meditation
Meditation is a state of increased awareness and focus that relaxes your muscles, and the best part is that you can do it even at the dental office. To practice meditation, follow these tips:
- Sit comfortably on a chair and close your eyes
- Fix your eyes on an object
- Allow your body to relax
- Focus on different body parts and try to release the tension
- Start relaxation from head to toe
- Repeat until you feel calm
In addition to breathing exercises, you can meditate before your appointment for higher calmness.
3. Distract Yourself
Another effective strategy is to distract yourself from the fear. Having a distraction can also relieve anxiety. For instance, speak with your dentist beforehand or watch TV during your visit. If you love books, take your favorite one and read in the waiting room or listen to music. This simple technique can take your mind away from fear.
4. Take Some Support
If you find moral support from a friend or a family member, take them with you. Ask your dentist if someone can accompany you during the procedure. Their presence can make you feel safe and comfortable.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment that uses fragile needles to insert into the skin and stimulate specific points throughout the body, including the head, back, neck, and face. It is used to relieve stress and anxiety.
Getting acupuncture before a dental procedure may help patients deal effectively with dental anxiety. However, it is not clinically proven or mandated for patients with dentophobia.
6. Sedation
Your dentist can offer medicine to help you relax during treatments, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), orally administered pills, or IV sedation.
7. Hypnotherapy
During a hypnotherapy session, a qualified professional helps you enter a state of deep relaxation, often referred to as a trance. In this state, your mind becomes more open to suggestions, allowing you to reframe negative thoughts and responses.
Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can benefit people undergoing stressful dental treatments. Hypnotherapy helps patients relax and manage their fear by changing their perception of dental procedures.
8. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Psychotherapy
Many healthcare providers use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with exposure therapy to treat various mental health conditions, including dental anxiety and phobia. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors.
CBT is conducted over a few sessions. The therapist will use a simple question-and-answer format to help you deal with stress, pain, and difficult situations. If you are afraid of the dental procedure, the therapist can describe each step from start to finish. To feel less anxious, clear your doubts and understand the procedure correctly.
Final Words
Dental anxiety is common, and a few techniques can help in coping with this fear effectively. Discuss dental phobia with your dentist, get support from your friends or family, meditate, or try breathing exercises. These simple tricks can help you cope with your feelings.
If you are scared of dentists or dental treatments, contact us at Brooklyn Blvd Dental.
Our team is committed to delivering the utmost care and ensuring that your oral health requirements are met with expertise and compassion.
Contact us at (763) 533-8669 and schedule an appointment today.
You can also visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429.
