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Dental anxiety is a major stumbling block for many patients seeking treatment, which prevents people from maintaining their dental health. The key to good oral health is prevention, but when someone suffers from dental anxiety, they often fail to visit the dentist for routine care. If you fear the dentist, you are not alone. About 80 percent of adult Americans fear the dentist, with more than half saying this fear keeps them from seeing a dentist for the necessary, important treatments. Even more troubling is the fact that neglecting dental care can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease or make the management of some health issues very difficult such as stroke, diabetes, organ transplants and prosthetic joint replacements. Not only is your oral health affected by dental anxiety, but your overall health is as well. Why do People Have Anxiety About Dental Visits? People are often anxious about going to the dentist for an array of different reasons, including worrying about the effectiveness of localized anesthetic and feeling that the dentist is rushed. Other factors might include the anticipation of pain, negative past experiences, and even the sterile smell of a dental office. The interruption of a person's normal daily routine to visit the dentist can also trigger anxiety in patients. If not addressed, dental anxiety can lead to unnecessary oral health problems, which can lead to much more time spent in the dental chair for treatment. If you are nervous about an upcoming dental visit, you can curb your anxiety by:
• Sharing your fears.
• Focusing on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures.
• Avoiding caffeine before a dental appointment.
• Eating high-protein foods which can produce a calming effect
• Bringing a friend or family member with you to the appointment
• Asking a friend or family member for recommendations on a dentist. Communication is Key Studies have proven that the most important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is good dentist-patient communication. It is only natural for people to feel some level of anxiety when visiting their dentist. However, if personal anxiety is preventing access to needed care, you should have a discussion with your dentist before any treatment has been started. By establishing trust at the beginning of treatment, patients are kept informed and in control throughout the entire process to calm dental anxiety. One option for communication is for patients to use hand signals throughout a procedure. When a patient feels uncomfortable, he or she can signal to the dentist to stop the procedure. This method empowers the patient and makes visiting the dentist less stressful for them. It is important to realize that others share the same fears as you and are ready to help you overcome them through various procedures. If you are suffering from dental anxiety, speak with your dentist today to establish a line of open communication. Your dentist will be able to work with you to lower or eliminate your anxieties, providing you with quality, gentle and relaxed dental health care.
Dr. Leila Ebrahimpoor is an experienced sedation and Ottawa dentist. With a focus on quality care and comfort, this Ottawa dentist offers a variety of dental treatments including Ottawa dental implants, tooth whitening and veneers among many other smile-enhancing cosmetic procedures.
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