Dental Phobia and Anxiety.

 By Okoro Eunice

 

 

Dental anxiety is stress or fear associated with a dental setting. The sight of dental tools like needles, drills or the setting in general, can trigger dental anxiety in affected persons.
 
The severe form of dental anxiety is known as dental phobia which creates irrational fear in affected persons thus making them avoid consulting a dentist. 
 
Some health disorders like post traumatic stress disorder, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc could lead to an increase dental anxiety. 

Signs And Symptoms of Dental Anxiety.

• Racing heartbeat or palpitations.
• Sweating.
• Masking anxiety by withdrawal or using humour or aggression.
• Crying or other signs of panic.
• Low blood pressure.

What Causes Dental Phobia And Anxiety?

• A previous traumatic dental, head and neck or other healthcare experience.
• Having trust issues with the dentist.
• Fear of loss of control.
• Anxiety associated with other conditions

How Does Dental Anxiety or Phobia Affect Oral Health?

Avoiding the dentist can increase the severity of dental diseases. This feeds the underlying problem of dental anxiety and it's known as the "vicious cycle of dental anxiety".
 
When a person does not visit the dentist due to phobia, it causes whatever dental issue the person presents with to build up and become more damaging. Regular cleaning, x-ray and dental checkups of teeth can prevent dental diseases and thesehelp the dentist detect the problems early as treatment at this stage is simpler and less invasive. 

 

In the case of smokers and alcoholics who possess dental phobia, it could lead to metastasis of mouth ulcers as they are not treated in their early stages.

 

Most dental diseases are lifestyle related and preventable. When you avoid the dentist, you are more likely to need more complex and invasive treatment when you finally do. The lifestyle factors that lead to dental diseases have been found to be similar to those that cause obesity, diabetes, stroke, some cancer and heart disease. They include; consuming sugary food and drinks regularly,  drinking alcohol and smoking regularly. So, daily oral health hygiene practices are very important. 

How Can Dental Anxiety Be Managed? 

Dental anxiety or phobia can be managed in many ways. It is important to open up to your dentist about any level of dental anxiety or phobia.
Some psychological coping techniques are listed below;

• Taking deep breaths
• Meditation 
• Muscle relaxation 
• Distracting yourself with music or the likes
• Hypnosis
• Using your weighted blanket
• Agreeing with your dentist on a signal to stop during the treatment for a break such as raising a finger
• Going for short targeted therapy sessions

Some dental phobias may require medical management with relative analgesia aka happy gas, conscious sedation, general anaesthesia and anxiety-relieving medication.

Medication should be taken after proper consultation with

your dentist or doctor and someone might need to accompany you to and from the dental appointment as you cannot safely drive a car while under the influence of a sedative.

 

In conclusion, dental anxiety is common and can affect people irrespective of age, race or gender. People who have had bad dental experiences in most cases can overcome their phobia if the situation is managed well and they are well cared for and supported during subsequent visits.
 
Individuals who are anxious about dental care tend to remain anxious throughout life and the best option is to find a dentist who is sympathetic and empathetic of their situation so they can cope with going to the dentist and overcome their anxiety.
 
Your oral health is very important and shouldn't be left neglected due to one dental phobia or the other.
You should seek help from qualified individuals and overcome your dental fears!