Six Tips for Overcoming Severe Dental Anxiety

May 05, 2022, Blue Turtle Dental

A certain level of anxiety is normal before going to see the dentist or any medical professional for that matter. However, if fear interferes with your dental health and prevents you from visiting your Palo Alto dentist, you may be suffering from dental anxiety or phobia.

In fact, current estimates reveal that 36% of people have dental anxiety, and 12% experience extreme dental fear.

Signs of dental anxiety
How can you tell that you have dental anxiety or fear? Some people struggle with nervousness before a dental appointment, but this does not prevent them from honoring appointments.

On the other hand, people with severe dental anxiety can experience debilitating symptoms before appointments. For example:

• Panic attacks
• Palpitations and racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Aggressive behavior, withdrawal, and not talking to anyone
• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth, looking pale and flushed
• Crying
• Sweating, racing thoughts, and visible distress
• Extreme sweating
• Trouble sleeping before your appointment
• Feeling faint and overwhelmed

Causes of dental anxiety
Certain experiences or events usually trigger dental anxiety, phobia, or fear. They include:

• Pain – You may avoid going for a dental check-up because you are afraid of pain, particularly if you have a low pain threshold.
• Loss of control – some people feel as if they are helpless when they lie on the dental chair and a dentist hovers above their heads and examines every part of their mouths. They usually equate the feeling with being trapped.
• Embarrassment – You may feel embarrassed or ashamed when a dentist inspects your gums and teeth. You may also become uneasy because of the minimal distance between you and the dentist when undergoing treatment.
• Past experience – You can develop dental anxiety due to a past bad experience. If a previous treatment resulted in complications or was painful, you might be apprehensive about seeing the dentist again.

Overcoming dental anxiety: Helpful tips

1. Find out what you are really afraid of

You may not be afraid of dental appointments in general, but if you are anxious about a specific treatment or are embarrassed about your current dental hygiene, talk to your Palo Alto dentist at Blue Turtle Dental about your specific fear and allow us to explain.

Our dentists are known for their gentle touch, and we go out of our way to diligently explain every procedure, so you know exactly what to expect. There’s no dental fear that we have not come across. Contact our office with confidence!

2. Find the right dentist
Going to the right dentist that offers the best dental care in Palo Alto can make a huge difference. You will feel more confident and comfortable about the treatment you are receiving. Opt for a dentist who offers:

• Simple answers to your questions
• Friendly and caring services. Some dentists provide magazines, WiFi, and electronic devices as a form of distraction.
• High-tech and personalized dental care and treatments
• A comfortable and relaxing office atmosphere
• Single tooth anesthesia services. This method requires less anesthesia while still providing a more effective way of preventing pain. 

3. Take advantage of relaxation techniques and medications
Take some time before your appointment to get in the correct frame of mind. Many people find that meditation, yoga, stretches, or deep and controlled breathing helps. You can also listen to slower tempo music to quiet your mind.

In terms of medications, dentists may consider using nitrous oxide or other gentle sedation options to help ease your anxiety. These medications are safe and effective for controlling anxiety.

4. Know the rewards of good oral health
Remind yourself that good oral health is priceless. There is a relationship between your oral health and overall health. For example, gum disease is associated with a host of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, etc. On the other hand, a beautiful smile improves self-esteem and good dental health has a beneficial effect on your overall health.

5. Visit your dentist often, avoid prolonging or skipping appointments
The fear of what might be wrong with your teeth or gums can deter you from feeling comfortable about visiting the dentist. However, dental appointments can not only give you a brilliant smile, but dental exam during your appointment can also prevent problems from developing in the first place. A professional exam done by a dentist can help spot symptoms of other systemic diseases that can appear in the mouth.

When you visit the dentist twice per year, there are fewer unknowns, and fewer fears as well! So make that leap of faith and book your dental appointment today!

6. Don’t do it alone! Seek professional help
Any sort of anxiety should be treated seriously. If your dental anxiety keeps you from visiting the dentist, you may consider seeing a psychologist or counselor help you overcome your fears.

This could be particularly beneficial if your anxiety arises from a past dental trauma experienced during your childhood days.

Take the next step
Armed with the above tips, we hope you'll feel more confident in booking your next dental appointment, whether it's for professional teeth whitening or a root canal treatment. Don't allow fear and anxiety to stand in your way of good oral care.

Our team of dentists in Palo Alto offers the ultimate dental experience. You can relax with Netflix or connect to your preferred electronic device with our Bluetooth compatible headphones.

We also offer several different options for our anxious patients, including sedation dentistry.

Come in to experience the luxury and walk out with a smile only the best technology can give you! Contact your Palo Alto dentist today.

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