What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental Anxiety is one of the prevalent and rapidly emerging dental phobias among patients who are already going through certain kinds of dental issues. 

According to the research, 12% of Americans experience acute dental treatment phobia, while 36% of Americans report having dental anxiety. And when it comes to industrialized nations, about 3% of adults may be dealing with dentophobia, which prevents them from going to the dentist or receiving any dental care.

Dentophobia can be treated, but to do so, we must first understand what it is. Without further ado, let’s explore the subject and learn more about dental anxiety. 

How to Define Dental Anxiety? 

Dental Anxiety is also known as ‘Odontophobia’. People who have this fear are terrified of receiving treatment for any dental issues they may have. Dental anxiety can range from mild in some persons to severe in others. They typically fear the possible agony they may experience throughout the treatment. Let me demonstrate to you the indications of dental anxiety so you can recognize this phobia.

Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

• Sweating 
• Tachycardia
• Dizziness 
• Low Blood Pressure
• Hyper Stress
• Syncope

These are the common symptoms which are usually experienced by people who are going through a dental anxiety disorder. 

How Does Dental Anxiety Affect Oral Health? 

It is a fundamental aspect of human psychology that we tend to put off or avoid tasks or activities that may push us outside of our comfort zone and result in discomfort. And for many patients, getting dental treatment is still a nightmare they prefer to steer clear of. 

As a result, patients might get severe dental and gum disease over time if they overlook any dental problems and put off seeing the dentist. And eventually, they can find themselves seeking urgent dental treatment. Potentially, it could also exacerbate underlying tooth problems, creating a vicious cycle of dental phobia.

Also Read: How to Get Rid of Dark Spot on the Teeth?

Causes of Dental Anxiety 

Well, the root reasons for dental phobia might differ depending on the patient’s anatomical nature as well as their recent and past experiences. However, some noteworthy and typical dental anxiety causes are listed below. 

• Family History 
• Knowing someone had a bad experience 
• Feeling helpless  
• Traumatic history 
• Feeling embarrassed

Quick Tips to Manage Dental Anxiety

Now, a patient must be honest with their dentist about their dental anxiety issue before learning more about simple techniques to control dental anxiety. A dentist will better customize a dental treatment plan for you with the help of an open discussion like this one, which will reduce any inconvenience and discomfort the patient may experience during the procedure. Additionally, we recommend the patient implement the quick tactics listed below to control their dental anxiety. 

• Deep Inhalation and Exhalation  
• Practice Meditation 
• Look for a Distraction 
• Directed imagery
• Muscle relaxation
• Hypnosis

Conclusion

If there’s a will, there’s a way. We live in the modern era where every little inconvenience and dental issue can be fixed with optimal, painless treatment. You just need to be aware of your concerns related to dental treatment, and you will receive the exact dental care you wish for. So, do not wait until it turns into a severe dental disease. Book your appointment now! We promise to cure your dental issues with utmost care.