Dental Anxiety | Tips how to manage

Sunday, July 16, 2006

For many people, going to the dentist can be a very stressful experience. They feel nervous, anxiety builds, and even experience common fears that may keep them from properly taking care of their mouth, teeth, and even going to the dentist for treatment.

Signs of dental anxiety:

Repeatedly rescheduling appointments or delaying in scheduling an appointment.

Not showing up for appointments.

Some people experience difficulty sleeping the night before an appointment.

Rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, faster breathing.

Some people tend to tap their foot or fidget while waiting in the waiting room or sitting in the treatment room.

Feelings of irritability, edgy, or "keyed-up".


If you experience any or all of these symptoms, you are not alone. Anxiety is completely normal, it's actually a built - in defense mechanism our bodies have to help protect us from something harmful. The problem is, many people perceive the dentist and dental treatment as something harmful to the body, when in reality, they are not. It is very important that both you and your dentist work together to diagnose the cause of and help alleviate the symptoms of dental anxiety.

Tips to manage or relieve dental anxiety:

1. Sleep well the night before your dental appointment.
Use a mild sleep aide or sedative if needed.

2. Eat a high protein snack or meal before your appointment.

3. Schedule your appointment for a time of day that is good for you.
Many people schedule appointments early in the morning to get the dental 'visit out of the way' before their day starts. The main thing to remember is, you don't want to feel stressed out, rushed, tired, or under pressure before your appointment.

4. Wear comfortable, loose - fitting clothing to your dental visit.
Even if you are just going to the dentist for an exam and x-rays, wear comfortable clothing. You will be able to relax more and just generally feel better when wearing comfortable loose - fitting clothing.

5. Don't drink or consume caffeinated or surgary foods or beverages the day of your visit.
This is hard for many people because they love their coffee and/or soda pop, a candy bar or other sugary snack in the morning or throughout their day. Be aware of how much sugar or caffeine may be present in some juices, sports drinks, and other healthy drinks and snacks. Just try and keep your caffeine and sugar intake to a bare minimum before your appointment. Too much sugar or caffeine can heighten the feelings of anxiety.

6. Don't drink alcohol the night before or day of your dental visit.
Alcohol interferes with the pain numbing medicine, often causing it not to work.

7. Listen to music, audio books, or the radio during your visit.
Bring your iPod or other portable device with you to your dental visit. Listening to music, an audio book, or even the radio during your dental visit will give your mind something else to focus on. Many people will listen to nature sounds, soothing music, or other CD's specifically designed to relax you while you listen.

8. Use relaxation techniques.
Deep breathing, muscle relaxation exercises, and even closing your eyes and visualizing some place or object that you find calming, soothing, and relaxing can be very effective.

9. Make a list of questions you want to ask.
Never be afraid to ask your dentist any questions you may have, regardless of how silly or naive they may sound. By getting answers to your questions, not only are you more knowledgeable about your dental treatment, or your teeth and mouth in general, you are opening a dialogue with your dentist and forming a bond. When you have the answers to your questions and you feel more comfortable with your dentist, your anxiety or "fear of the unknown", will lessen or completely go away.

10. Talk to your dentist about your fears.
It is important that both you and your dentist work together to alleviate your dental fears and anxiety. Don't be embarassed. Dental anxiety is very common. Once your dentist is aware of your concerns, the dentist can work with you, maybe even prescribing anti-anxiety medicine or recommending certain techniques to help make your dental visit a pleasant experience.


When seeking dental treatment, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people suffer from dental anxiety. The symptoms can be treated and sometimes completely relieved. The most important thing to remember is to not let your dental fears and anxiety get the better or you, preventing you from seeking dental treatment or maintaining good oral hygiene for healthy teeth and gums.

It is very important to find a dentist you feel comfortable with and one that understands and will work with your dental anxiety and fears. If you don't feel comfortable with your dentist, talk to your friends, family, and co-workers, and use local or state resources to help you find the dentist that is right for you.