How can I manage my fear of the dentist?
Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is common. In a recent poll, around 4 in 10 adults surveyed said they experienced anxiety about a dental visit. But there are lots of things you can do to manage dental anxiety, like speaking to your dentist about how you feel. In this article I provide some coping strategies and offer practical tips to help you feel more relaxed.
Why am I afraid of the dentist?
There are many reasons why you might have developed a fear of the dentist. Common reasons include:
- having a bad experience in the past
- the noises made by dental equipment
- feeling out of control or trapped in the dentist’s chair
- worrying you’ll feel pain
Being afraid of the dentist can make you avoid regular check-ups, or cancel appointments. This increases the likelihood of tooth problems in future.
Why is it important to go to the dentist?
If you’re scared of the dentist, you might avoid going. Or, you might only go when you notice a problem, like toothache. But regular visits are important to keep your mouth healthy.
During your check-up, your dentist will not only check your teeth, they’ll also look for signs of mouth cancer. So it’s really important to go.
If needed, your dentist may suggest that you see the dental hygienist for thorough teeth cleaning (known as a scale and polish). This can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the need for dental treatment in the future.
Studies have also linked poor oral health with conditions like dementia, heart disease and diabetes. So neglecting your oral health can affect your overall health, too.
How can I keep calm at the dentist?
Try these tips to help you feel calmer at your next dentist visit.
- If you feel able to, tell your dentist you’re anxious. They should be able to put you at ease and talk about your concerns.
- You might find it useful to try some calming breathing exercises, either while you’re in the waiting room or before your visit. This can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Book your appointment at a time of day that you feel most relaxed. This could be first thing in the morning, giving you less time to worry about your appointment. Or, it might be another time of day when you don’t have to rush back to work or somewhere else afterwards.
- Practising mindfulness can help you feel calmer, and focus more on the present moment.
- Listen to some music you enjoy, or an interesting podcast while at the dentist. This can be particularly helpful if the noises in the dentist cause fear.
- Try bringing a loved one to your appointment for support.
How can I get over dental fear?
There’s no quick way to get over fears, but there are strategies you can try to help you address them. A good place to start is trying to gradually expose yourself to the things about visiting the dentist that cause fear.
Imagine something that makes you anxious about the dentist, starting with a scenario that causes a low level of anxiety. This might be walking into the practice. Replay this scene in your mind until you feel your anxiety reduce.
Next, imagine something else that makes you feel slightly more anxious, and repeat the process. This might include:
- imagining sitting in the waiting room
- thinking about sitting in the dentist’s chair
- imagining having your teeth cleaned by the dental hygienist
- thinking about having a filling
Once you feel more comfortable thinking of these situations, you could try:
- visiting the dentist in person
- sitting in the waiting room
- making an appointment
- sitting in the dental chair for a few minutes
It might take time before you start to feel your anxiety reduce. But by repeatedly exposing yourself to your fear, it lets your body know that the dentist’s is safe and you’re OK.
I’m scared of the dentist, but I need treatment - what should I do?
If you’re in pain or need treatment, don’t put off getting help. Toothache can be a sign of tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or a dental infection needing treatment.
Try the techniques above, if you’re able to. Speak to your dental practice and explain how you feel. They may be able to book you in for a longer appointment so you can take your time, and your dentist can talk you through anything you’re anxious about.
They may also be able to offer you a form of sedation (medicine to help you relax during treatment).
I have an extreme dental phobia, where can I get help?
If your fear is severe, and it’s having a significant impact on your life, you may have a phobia.
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder, and can cause intense feelings of panic and anxiety. Speak to your GP for support and advice. They might suggest having some talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This can help you change negative thought patterns and help reframe visiting the dentist as a more positive experience.
Reach out to your dental practice, even if it’s been years since your last appointment. Lots of people are afraid of the dentist, so you’re not alone, and your dental practice can help.
Co-author
Bianca Clarke, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.
Content editor review by
Lucy Kapoutsos, Health Content Editor
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Sources Sources
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