Also known as odontophobia, dental anxiety is a problem that affects millions of people. This could be due to a previous terrible experience or just because the overall idea of the dentist makes one nervous. However, having dental anxiety can often keep people from visiting the dentist. Because of this, it can result in major dental problems not being fixed or prevented. This article will explore more behind what dental anxiety is and some ways you can combat it. To find out more, keep reading.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental phobia is a condition that makes someone nervous or stressed when it comes to visiting the dentist. Some signs of dental anxiety include:
- Troubling sleeping before a dental appointment
- Feeling extremely nervous while waiting for a dental appointment
- Feeling physically ill at the thought of visiting the dentist
- Having panic attacks before or during the procedure
While these are just a handful of dental anxiety signs, they are often the most common. Dental anxiety can sometimes not only make you scared to visit the dentist, but cause you to feel physically sick as well which is why it can sometimes be a concern.
What Causes Dental Anxiety
Dental phobia could be caused by various problems. This includes things such as:
- A previous bad experience
- Having a fear of pain or injections
- Being fearful of anesthesia
- Feeling helpless while having the procedure done
- Being embarrassed over the condition of your dental health
How to Stop Dental Anxiety
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can stop dental anxiety. Below are some tips to consider.
Talk Things Over with Your Dentist
One of the best ways to help calm your fears is to talk about them with your dentist. This way, they’ll be able to know what procedures might be a little scary to you. You could also come up with a way to let them know when you’re feeling anxious, such as lifting your hand, so they can give you some time to calm down.
Try Breathing Exercises
Working on breathing exercises is a way to help calm panic attacks and a racing heart due to your fear. By taking deep breaths, holding them, and then slowly letting them out, you can work to calm your body down. You can also try some other meditative breathing techniques to help keep yourself relaxed.
Listen to Music
Sometimes listening to music during your dental visit to Brighton Dental San Diego can help be very calming. Because of this, ask your dentist if it would be alright to bring along your headphones during your visit.
Sign Up for an Appointment During a Less Crowded Time
You might feel a little nervous and pressured during your visit if you visit during a busy time, such as the afternoon or weekend. To prevent this, try to make an appointment at Brighton Dental San Diego during a less crowded time, such as early morning.
Dental anxiety is a common problem that can be caused by various things. However, it can be overcome. By doing things such as talking with your dentist at Brighton Dental San Diego or work on using breathing exercises, you can combat dental anxiety to make your visit a much more pleasant one.
