Routine dental visits can evoke mixed emotions in individuals. While some find them manageable, others experience intense anxiety at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair. This anxiety often leads to avoidance, resulting in neglected dental care. Experts from University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry say that dental anxiety is more common than you think, and it is manageable.
“Most dental offices can be triggering for individuals, so it is our job to make them feel as comfortable as possible.” -Stephen Mitchell, D.M.D., M.S.“Dental anxiety is anxiety,” said Stephen Mitchell, DMD, professor and director of the Sparks Dental Clinic at UAB.
“It is a biological response that is the body’s fight or flight system that is designed to protect us from perceived and real threats. When you’re talking about dentistry, it’s the dental environment that triggers an individual.” Mitchell says that history can contribute to the anxiety. Whether it is a painful experience in the past or an experience of feeling out of control in a dental office, very often you can carry that forward into future offices.
“Sometimes those are events that happened years and years ago maybe as a young child. Many times, people have a clear memory or something they can’t put their finger on. Sometimes it is outside of dentistry but still within healthcare.”
“Another trigger would be an invasion of personal space while in a very vulnerable position. Dentistry invades our personal space more than any other profession. When dentistry is involved, you have a human being hovering over you looking inside your mouth. We tend to be anxious in situations where we feel like it’s out of our control. As dentists, it is our job to convey to our patients that they have a sense of control.”
According to Mitchell, patients should understand that they are not unusual and should be open with their dentist.
“It’s not weird, and it's okay. We all deal with things that we feel anxious about. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular dentist, in most situations there’s another one.”
Mitchell has a few tips for managing your anxiety before a dentist trip.
“The first thing is don’t be afraid to speak up. Too many times we don’t ask the questions that are legitimate and important. We are willing to help you feel more comfortable.”
Mitchell also wants you to know that maintaining oral health is an important factor when it comes to dealing with dental anxiety.
“Avoid difficult dental appointments by maintaining regular dental appointments. Brushing and flossing are important, but sugar control is the most important. If you don’t want to spend a ton of time in the dentist's chair, limit your sugar intake and choose better alternatives for your teeth.”
UAB Dentistry provides quality, comprehensive general and specialty oral health care for you and your family. Make an appointment today by calling (205) 934-3000.