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Did you know that an estimated 36% of the population has general anxiety around dental appointments? It’s not uncommon for people to be so nervous about being in the dentist’s chair that they avoid visits altogether. If you’ve skipped routine checkups or even important procedures, then your fear could harm your oral health. Understanding why and where these concerns come from can help you overcome them. Continue reading to learn more about it so you can leave your worries behind you to keep your smile safe!
How Do I Know If I Have Dental Anxiety?
The term ‘dental anxiety’ is defined as an excessive dread of anything being done to the teeth which causes you to procrastinate or postpone the services necessary to care for them. If your worry about seeing your dentist interferes with your ability to get to their office, then you could be suffering from this condition.
Some physical manifestations that can occur are:
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations
- Sweating
- Visible distress like crying or panicking
- Low blood pressure, light-headedness, or fainting
- Emotional withdrawal
- Using humor or aggression to mask your anxiety
How Does Dental Anxiety Affect My Oral Health?
Visiting your dentist every 6 months is essential to preventing several issues like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. Even if you consistently brush and floss twice daily at home, it is possible to have hidden issues that you can’t see. You could develop tooth decay between your teeth or behind your molars, for example, or could have gum disease and not know it.
Unfortunately, dental issues don’t resolve themselves and only progress over time so you may end up with serious complications. Your cavities can penetrate deep into your roots and jawbone, for example. On top of that, untreated gum disease can enter your bloodstream and contribute to other conditions like tooth loss, heart issues, and diabetes.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
The underlying cause for this concern varies from person to person but some common causes include:
- A previous dental or healthcare experience that was distressing
- A past injury to the back of your head or neck
- Other traumatic experiences like abuse
- An already diagnosed issue like generalized anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Trust issues
- Fear of losing control
- Other extreme anxieties that might be triggered in the dentist’s chair like agoraphobia (fear of being somewhere you can’t escape), claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces), or dentophobia (fear of going to the dentist)
How Can I Overcome Dental Anxiety?
If you have avoided essential oral care because you’re too nervous to visit your dentist, you can ask them how they can help. Many providers offer sedatives that put your mind at ease so you can successfully sit through your appointment, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Otherwise, they might offer other amenities like warm blankets or soothing music to help you feel relaxed while they work.
Your dentist knows that plenty of people get scared when it comes to their teeth. They know how to help you feel calm, so your smile doesn’t suffer!
About the Practice
At Laketown Family Dental, you and everyone in your household benefit from a husband/wife dental team that offers a wide range of treatments under one roof. Whether you require a routine checkup or an emergency root canal, they are experts who can help. They will take the time to get to know you and your unique needs and then work together to provide fully individualized treatments. If you’re anxious, they offer laughing gas to soothe your frayed nerves so you don’t have to skip visits. If you’d like to make an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (231) 737-2273.