Dental Anxiety Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue that affects a significant portion of the population, causing considerable distress and often leading to the avoidance of necessary dental care, according to Dental Fear Central. They explain that dental anxiety can be described as a feeling of unease, apprehension, or fear specifically related to visiting the dentist's office. This anxiety may range from mild discomfort to severe phobia, known as dentophobia, which can result in complete avoidance of dental treatment.

The roots of dental anxiety can be multifaceted, encompassing psychological, emotional, and sensory factors, according to the American Dental Association. They explain that psychological factors may include a fear of losing control or feeling helpless while in the dental chair. Emotional factors might involve previous traumatic dental experiences or generalized anxiety disorders. Sensory triggers, such as the sound of a dental drill or the smell of dental materials, can also play a significant role. Understanding these diverse elements is crucial for both patients and dental professionals in developing effective strategies to manage and alleviate dental anxiety, thereby improving the overall dental care experience.

Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

Recognizing the symptoms of dental anxiety is a critical step in addressing and managing this condition. By identifying these symptoms, the American Dental Association notes that individuals and dental professionals can better understand the extent of the anxiety and take appropriate measures to ensure a more comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

Symptoms of dental anxiety include:

• Tachycardia/palpitations

• Sweating

• Panic

• Crying

• Low blood pressure

• Syncope (fainting)

• Hyperventilation (breathing too quickly)

Dental Anxiety Causes

Understanding the root causes of dental anxiety is essential for developing effective strategies to alleviate it, according to Dental Fear Central. They explain that some causes of dental anxiety include:

• Fear of injections

• Fear of anesthetic

• Loss of personal space

• Fear of pain

• Loss of control/helplessness

Difference Between Dental Anxiety & Dental Phobia

While dental anxiety and dental phobia may seem similar, they represent different levels of fear and stress related to dental visits, according to Dental Fear Central. They explain that dental anxiety is generally characterized by feelings of unease, nervousness, or stress when thinking about or undergoing dental procedures. It is a common reaction that can usually be managed with coping strategies and support from dental professionals. Individuals with dental anxiety may experience discomfort but are still able to attend dental appointments and receive necessary care.

In contrast, dental phobia is a more severe and intense fear that can lead to complete avoidance of dental visits, according to Dental Fear Central. This condition goes beyond mere anxiety, manifesting as an overwhelming and irrational fear that can significantly impact an individual's oral health. People with dental phobia often delay or entirely skip dental appointments, which can result in serious dental issues over time. The heightened fear associated with dental phobia requires more specialized interventions, such as behavioral therapy or sedation dentistry, to help individuals overcome their phobia and receive the care they need.

Symptoms of dental phobia, according to Dental Fear Central, include:

• Nervousness as the appointment gets closer

• Trouble sleeping or eating before your dental visit

• Feeling physically sick before your dental exam or treatment

• Feeling very emotional or crying before your dental appointment

How to Deal with Dental Anxiety

Effectively managing dental anxiety is crucial for ensuring that individuals receive the dental care they need without undue stress or fear, according to Dental Fear Central. They explain that using practical strategies and techniques to help alleviate dental anxiety, enabling a more comfortable and positive experience at the dentist's office.

Some tips from Dental Fear Central include:

• Breathe deeply

• Try relative analgesia (nitrous oxide or "laughing gas")

• Bring a weighted blanket

• Talk to your dentist

• Try anxiety-relieving medication

• Try meditation

By incorporating these methods, patients can take proactive steps to reduce their anxiety and improve their overall oral health, according to Dental Fear Central.