Causes of Dental Anxiety and How to Solve It

November 13, 2020

Millions of people around the world put off going to the dentist due to dental anxiety. Dental anxiety typically involves a fear of the unknown along with a fear of the potential pain that can be involved with dental treatments. If you suffer from anxiety at the dentist, it’s a very common problem that most people will experience at some point, especially if you need to have a dental procedure that you have never experienced before. So, what are the causes of dental anxiety, and what can you do to relieve it?

Phobia About Certain Treatments

Some dental treatments can cause pain and discomfort afterward, even though they are, in the long term, for the good of your oral health. However, this is a very common reason for avoiding going to the dentist and usually comes from prior experience at the dentist that was unpleasant or painful. You may be fearful due to an experience of your own or from stories that you’ve heard from other people. However, bear in mind that today, progress has been made significantly in the dental field and the majority of procedures are usually painless. You may benefit from speaking to your dentist about your fears so that they can offer reassurance.

Dental Products and Equipment

Most people would agree that the equipment used by the dentist is not very pleasant to either look at or hear. The instruments on the tray as you are getting checked by your dentist can be rather intimidating and if you’re having a filling or other dental procedure done, the noise of the drill alone can be quite scary. You may want to speak to your dentist beforehand and explain your fears. A good dentist will be happy to take the time to explain the different instruments to you and what they are used for. Understanding them better can make them less intimidating to see and hear.

Fear of Needles

Many dental procedures require a general anesthetic which is given inside the mouth to numb up the area around the affected tooth requiring treatment. However, if you have a fear of needles, it can make this part of going to the dentist very tricky. You can ask the dentist to apply a topical gel to the area where the injection is to be placed so that you can avoid feeling the needle when you are given the anesthetic.

General Anxiety

Those with general anxiety may also be scared of visiting the dentist either due to a fear of pain or the lack of control that comes with having somebody poking around their mouth. Working with a dentist who specializes in nervous patients can help you overcome your fear and provide you with more pleasant experiences in the dental chair that will make returning easier. You may also want to try CBD oil for stress and anxiety with this Nuleaf coupon. A couple of drops of CBD oil can help you relax and stay calm while at the dentist.

Dental anxiety is very common and can be caused by a number of things. If you’re scared of dental procedures, a good dentist can help support you through your fear and gain more confidence. 

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