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How to Deal with Dental Anxiety

For many people, a trip to the dentist can bring on stress or even full-on anxiety. You’re not alone; dental anxiety affects a lot of people and can make it hard to keep up with regular care. The good news is that there are ways to manage those nerves to make your visits easier. 

Our Point Pleasant dentist explains what causes dental anxiety and provides tips and strategies to overcome your fear below. 

Key Takeaways:

  • The first step is just understanding that dental anxiety is normal.
  • Let your dentist know what’s making you nervous so they can help. 
  • Try simple relaxation techniques to stay calm during your visit.

What Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is the worry or fear some people feel when they think about going to the dentist. It can be anything from mild nerves to an intense fear, sometimes called dental phobia. For some, even just thinking about dental work can trigger a fight or flight response, which could cause symptoms like sweating, a racing heartbeat, or even a panic attack.


What Causes Dental Anxiety?

There are a few common reasons people tend to feel anxious about the dentist, including, but not limited to:

Past Experiences

A bad experience at the dentist, especially as a child, can stick with you. If a visit was painful or uncomfortable, it’s easy to associate all future appointments with that same feeling.


Fear of Pain

Worrying about pain is one of the biggest causes of dental anxiety. Hearing scary stories from others can make it worse. The good news is that modern dentistry has come a long way, and more procedures are far more comfortable than people expect.


Loss of Control

Being in the dental chair can make people feel vulnerable, and not being able to see what’s happening could add to that stress.


Fear of the Unknown

Sometimes, it’s just the uncertainty of what’s going to happen, whether the news will be bad, or how much it will cost, that causes the most worry. Learning what to expect can take away some of that fear.  


How to Deal with Dental Anxiety

There are a lot of ways to make dental visits less stressful. Trying even a few of these strategies can help you feel calmer and more in control:

  1. Talk to Your Dentist

    2. Being open about your fears is one of the best things you can do. Let your dentist know what makes you nervous; they’ve likely heard it before and can adjust their approach. Sometimes, just knowing your concerns are understood makes all the difference.


  2. Set a Stop Signal

    3. Being open about your fears is one of the best things you can do. Let your dentist know what makes you nervous; they’ve likely heard it before and can adjust their approach. Sometimes, just knowing your concerns are understood makes all the difference.


  3. Bring Someone You Trust

    4. Having a friend or family member come along can be a huge comfort. They can distract you, hold your hand, or just sit nearby to help you feel more at ease.


  4. Use Relaxation Techniques

    5. Simple tools like deep breathing or even squeezing a stress ball can help calm your body. You could also listen to music or a podcast during your appointment to take your mind off what’s happening.


  5. Book Morning Appointments

    6. Getting your appointment out of the way early can help prevent you from building up anxiety throughout the day. Plus, you’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment.


  6. Ask About Sedation Options

    7. If your anxiety is severe, sedation dentistry might be worth considering. Options like laughing gas or oral sedatives can make the experience much easier. Talk with your dentist to see what feels right for you.


  7. Learn What to Expect

    8. As mentioned above, sometimes fear comes from not knowing what to expect. Ask questions, watch a short video from your dentist, or read up on the procedure beforehand. When you understand the steps, things can feel a lot less intimidating.


  8. Reward Yourself

    9. Give yourself something to look forward to afterward, like your favorite coffee, a meal, or a relaxing activity. Pairing a dental visit with a reward can help create a more positive association over time. 


How Can Dental Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health?

Avoiding the dentist because of anxiety can actually cause more problems in the long run. Skipping visits doesn’t make the issues go away; it often makes them worse. Here are some of the risks: 

  • Worsening Oral Health: Without regular check-ups, problems like cavities and gum disease can go unnoticed. Over time, these can turn into more serious issues that need costly, more involved treatment. 
  • Higher Chance of Emergencies: Delaying care can lead to sudden problems like severe tooth pain or infections. These dental emergencies usually need urgent treatment and are often more painful and expensive than routine care. 
  • Effects on Overall Health: Your mouth and body are connected. Poor oral health can increase the risk of oral problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Keeping up with dental visits helps protect your whole health, not just your teeth.  

Have Questions? Contact Our Trusted Point Pleasant Dentist!

At Coastal Dental Group, we’re committed to providing gentle, compassionate care to all our patients. Call 732-714-1030 or contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first steps toward overcoming your dental fears! 

About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!