Dental Anxiety

For many, going to the dentist's office can be a stressful experience associated with anxiety, nervousness, and even fear—feelings that may keep you from taking good care of your mouth and teeth.

Although these feelings are usually exaggerated and out-of-proportion to any actual risk, both patients and dentists need to understand and recognize that these feelings reflect a concern that must be addressed.

Anxiety about dental visits shows up in a number of different ways.

• Rapid heartbeat

• Faster breathing

• Sweaty palms

• Feeling "keyed-up," edgy or irritable

• Foot tapping or fidgeting

• Difficulty sleeping the night before a visit

• Putting-off making an appointment

• Not showing up for your appointment

Experiencing these feelings is not uncommon. Anxiety is a normal result of a built-in survival mechanism that is meant to help you stay safe and avoid things that could be harmful to you. The problem is that going to the dentist IS NOT harmful. Several aspects of routine dental exams and procedures can be unpleasant and slightly painful, making a person feel uncomfortable. Our minds and bodies relate these unpleasant sensations with any trip to the dentist. It causes us to be more anxious than we really need to be.

Use these methods to help ease some of these feelings:

• Schedule your appointment for a time when you will not feel rushed or under pressure.

• Get a good night's sleep. If you know that you have trouble sleeping, ask your dentist for a sedative.

• Eat a high protein-meal or snack before your visit.

• Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages or foods on the day of your visit.

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

• Distract yourself by listening to music. Bring a portable radio, tape or CD player with headphones.

• Use relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, progressive muscle-relaxation exercises, or closing your eyes and visualizing restful or relaxing scenes.

• Make a list of any questions that you would like to ask and bring it with you.

• Talk with your dental provider about your fears. Your dentist may prescribe a small dose of a medication to be taken just before your appointment to help manage symptoms of pain and/or worry.

• Do not drink alcohol the night before or the day of your visit to calm you. Alcohol causes the pain-numbing medicine to not work to control pain symptoms.

When considering that next dental appointment, remember that anxiety associated with dental treatment is normal. Rather than letting anxiety keep you from taking care of your mouth, use the above simple and effective methods to manage your concerns while promoting good oral health.

Patients who feel that their providers are not taking their concerns seriously should use established patient advocacy mechanisms or use the dental clinic chain of command to get help.