Fear is an unpleasant emotion of being afraid of the threat of danger, threat, pain, or harm. This may deprive you of several things, one such aspect being oral care. Fear of visiting your dentist is common among many individuals of all ages. This can lead to neglecting your oral health altogether. 

To overcome dental fear and anxiety, dental specialists at relaxation dental specialties Breckenridge offer several useful tips.

Understanding dental fear and anxiety 

Dental fear or phobia can affect any age group, and there could be several triggering factors. These include: 

• Dentist

Negative feelings associated with your dentist, especially if you had a bad experience in the past. 

• Embarrassment

Fear of being embarrassed about your tooth condition.

• Modeling

Hearing someone else discuss their dental fear can spark the same phobia in you. 

• Anesthesia

You may fear the needle prick during the administration of anesthesia. Sometimes side effects of anesthesia, such as temporary numbness of the lips, can also trigger fear. 

• Blood

You may panic or feel anxious due to the fear of blood (hemophobia) during dental procedures. 

• Dental pain

Dental procedures may be accompanied by pain and discomfort that could cause anxiety. 

• Noise

Sound or noise produced by drills and dental instruments during the procedure.

• Smell

You may become anxious due to the smell of dental cement and other materials. 

Helpful tips to cope with dental fear and anxiety

Here are some tips to help you cope:

• Express your concerns and fears openly with your dentist. 
• Schedule a consultation with your dentist before the procedure to discuss your goals and expectations. 
• Get familiarized with the clinic environment and discuss your anxiety management choices 
• Establish a signal such as raising a hand to indicate when you need a break during the dental procedure
• Practice deep breathing, visualization, or muscle relaxation techniques before and during the dental procedure
• Distract yourself by listening to music through headphones during dental procedures
• Discuss sedation options with your dentist to relax yourself
• Begin with less invasive dental procedures and gradually accustom yourself to advanced dental treatments
• Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify negative thoughts and beliefs

Wrapping up 

Dental anxiety and fear is a real problem that needs to be overcome to maintain your oral health. It requires patience and consistency to gradually win over your fear to a point where you no longer avoid getting the oral care you need. With patience, perseverance, and support from your dental team, you can achieve a more positive and comfortable dental experience.