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Dental anxiety is a common feeling shared by most people. It can stem from past traumatic dental experiences, fear of pain, or dental phobia. Dental anxiety can make routine dental care extremely difficult.

What Is Dental Fear?

Dental fear and anxiety are very real issues for many people, and they can impact a person’s oral health directly. For example, someone who experiences dental anxiety might avoid the dentist for years, which means their teeth aren’t getting the attention they need. They might not even go to the dentist at all! This can lead to serious oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, and it may even result in tooth loss in some cases.

What Causes Dental Fear or Anxiety? 

It’s not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause of someone’s anxiety, but there are a few potential reasons people might feel this way. It’s possible that they have had a bad experience in the past that has made them incredibly nervous around dentists. It’s also possible that they’ve had a negative conversation with a friend or family member about their own experiences with the dentist. Either way, it’s important to know that dental anxiety and fear are very common. People of all ages can experience these feelings, and it can negatively impact their overall health in many ways.

Understanding Dental Fear

Most people experience some amount of anxiety or nervousness when it comes to visiting their dentist’s office. This mild emotion is perfectly natural and is your body’s way of reacting when faced with a perceived threat.

However, for some people, that anxiety may be more intense, making it difficult for them to visit the dentist on their own terms. This can lead to them delaying needed procedures until they’re in more pain, which can cause the need for more extensive treatment or necessitate the use of sedation.

Tips for Managing Dental Fear

Don’t feel embarrassed! Millions of people have some form of anxiety about going to the dentist. There are a number of things you can try to help ease your nerves. Here are our top three tips.

• Listen to music – You can choose your favorite soothing playlist to listen to during your treatment. It can help you relax and even drown out the sounds of the drill. Be sure to turn your headphones or earbuds down low so you can hear any instructions your dentist gives you.
• Talk with your dentist – If you are feeling anxious about your appointment, talk to your dentist about it before your procedure begins. They may be able to talk you through the procedure and let you know what to do if you are feeling uneasy. Your dentist may even be able to prescribe you an oral sedative. Make sure to ask your dentist which types of sedatives are safe for you to take.
• Schedule your appointment in the morning – If you schedule your appointment for first thing in the morning, you have the rest of the day to get over your fear and deal with any other issues you may be worried about. This can also be helpful because your body will be well-rested from any sleep you may have had the night before.

These are just a few tips and tricks to try to help manage your dental anxiety. Remember, you are not alone! Talk to your dentist about any fears you have, and they will work with you to make your appointments as comfortable as possible.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Solace Dental, call (630) 759-3595 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 287 N Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490.