Dental Anxiety

What is dental anxiety? It’s no secret that many people feel anxious when they go to the dentist. In fact, dental phobia is one of the most common types of phobias.

People may fear going to the dentist because of pain, needles, or the perception that dentists are judgmental and critical.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand and address dental anxiety head-on.

In this article, we will discuss the causes of dental anxiety and tips for overcoming it!

Is dental anxiety a mental illness?

Dental anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about dental care. It is one of the most common reasons people avoid going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can range from mild uneasiness to full-blown panic attacks.

Some people may argue that dental anxiety is a mental illness. After all, it does cause significant distress and can interfere with daily life. However, dental anxiety does not meet the criteria for a mental illness according to the DSM-V.

How common is dental anxiety?

It is estimated that dental anxiety affects up to 20% of the population of the world. This means that around one in five people experience some level of dental anxiety. Dental anxiety can range from mild discomfort to a full-blown phobia.

What are the causes of dental anxiety?

There are many reasons why people may experience dental anxiety. Some people may have had a negative dental experience in the past. Others may be afraid of needles or pain.

Whatever the reason, dental anxiety can make it difficult to get the dental care that you need. If you are struggling with dental anxiety, please talk to your dentist.

There are many ways to make dental care more comfortable and less scary. You don’t have to suffer from dental anxiety any longer!

What are the symptoms of dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a condition that can cause a person to feel fear or dread when thinking about dental procedures. People who experience dental anxiety often have difficulty getting dental care, even if they need it. Symptoms of dental anxiety may include:

Feeling overwhelmed or panicked when thinking about dental care.
Avoid dental appointments.
Experiencing a rapid heart rate.
Feeling shaky or lightheaded.
Sweating excessively.
Having trouble breathing.

If you are experiencing dental anxiety, there are ways to help manage it. Some tips include:

Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. Your dentist can help put you at ease and may have suggestions for making dental appointments easier.
Bring a friend or family member with you to your dental appointments. This can help you feel more relaxed and supported.
Take deep breaths and relax your muscles when dental procedures are taking place.
Distracting yourself with activities such as listening to music or reading can also help to take your mind off of dental care.
If you are experiencing a great deal of anxiety, consider seeking counseling or hypnotherapy.

Dental anxiety medication

Medication can be also a great way to help ease your mind when you’re at the dentist. There are many different types of dental anxiety medication available, so you can find one that works best for you. Talk to your dentist about the options available and see if dental anxiety medication is right for you.

How do you treat dental anxiety?

There are a few different ways to treat dental anxiety. Some people may prefer medication, while others may choose hypnotherapy or relaxation techniques. No matter what method you choose, it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can only make the problem worse.

Hypnotherapy for dental anxiety and dental phobias

Clinical hypnotherapy is a great way to help patients feel more at ease when visiting the dentist. By using hypnosis, hypnotherapist Ian Smith can help patients relax and focus on positive thoughts and images, which can make dental visits much less stressful.

Contact Quays Clinic today!

Dental anxiety can be a very real and paralyzing fear for some people. If you are one of those individuals who experience dental anxiety, then please do not hesitate to contact Quays Clinic today.