Are you scared of the dentist?

Well, you’re certainly not the only one. Dental anxiety is widespread, affecting a significant portion of the population. It’s a common issue that many people put off dental treatment because they fear.

The good news?

There are things you can do to manage your anxiety and have a less stressful experience at the dentist. In fact, there are proven steps you can take to effectively handle your anxiety before, during, and after dental treatment. Let’s go over some of the best ways to overcome dental anxiety and put your mind at ease for your next dental visit.

Contents show

  • What Is Dental Anxiety?
  • Why Is Dental Anxiety So Common?
  • How To Calm Your Nerves
  • How Can Your Dentist Help You?

What Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety refers to the fear or stress that you feel when you think about or go to the dentist.

It’s more than just “being nervous” – it’s a legitimate condition that can have serious consequences for your oral health. In fact, roughly 16% of Australian adults experience dental fear and anxiety. It’s one of the most common types of anxiety, second only to fear of public speaking.

The issue with dental anxiety is that it causes people to avoid going to the dentist altogether. They’ll put off making an appointment until the pain is so bad that they can’t stand it. By then, what should have been a simple filling can turn into a root canal or extraction.

Finding a good dentist with quality dental services Australia residents can trust is key to making sure you get the care you need – especially if you have anxiety. A lot of practices specialise in anxious patients these days and focus on gentle techniques and modern comfort options. A dentist in Chelsea Heights, for example, can offer compassionate care to help you feel less worried while providing high-quality treatment.

The problem is that dental anxiety can trap you in a vicious cycle. You avoid the dentist because you’re afraid. Your teeth get worse, and then you become even more afraid of going. Breaking this cycle is essential for the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

Why Is Dental Anxiety So Common?

Let’s talk about why the dentist is so scary for so many people…

Dental anxiety typically boils down to one or more core fears. The first step in dealing with it is understanding what your specific triggers are. Some of the most common triggers include:

  • Fear of pain (getting poked with needles or experiencing an uncomfortable procedure)
  • Loss of control (feeling helpless in the dental chair while procedures are being performed)
  • Past bad experiences (traumatic memories from a previous visit to the dentist)
  • Embarrassment (feeling self-conscious about the condition of your teeth)
  • Sensory input (the smells and sounds of the dental office environment)

The thing is…

Nearly 1 in 3 adults with a high level of dental fear have not visited a dentist in 10 or more years. Ten years! People are avoiding dental treatment for a decade or more because of anxiety.

Did you know that women are more likely to experience dental anxiety than men? Or that financial concerns about the cost of dental treatment can also contribute to anxiety? When you factor in the cost, it’s a double-whammy that keeps people away from the dentist.

How To Calm Your Nerves

Okay, time to talk about what you can do about your anxiety…

The following techniques are some of the most effective ways to ease your nerves before and during your appointment. The best part? Most of them are free, and you can start doing them today.

Talk To Your Dentist About Your Fears

I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but it works.

Seriously, just tell your dentist what it is that makes you scared. Good dentists want to know so they can tailor their approach to your needs. They can explain every step of the process to you, use numbing gel on the injection site, and give you breaks during treatment. Communication is the key to reducing anxiety. When you know what to expect and why it’s happening, the fear naturally eases.

Bring A Support Person

Having a friend or family member in the room with you can make all the difference.

They can hold your hand, distract you with conversation, or simply be there for moral support. A lot of dental practices encourage patients to bring a support person. They know it helps calm anxious patients and makes them feel safer.

Use Distraction Techniques

Your brain can only focus on so much at once.

Bring a pair of headphones and listen to music or a podcast during your appointment. Some dental offices even have TVs mounted on the ceiling so you can watch something while getting treatment. Other things that work for distraction include squeezing a stress ball, counting backwards from 100, or visualising a relaxing place.

Try Relaxation Exercises

Deep breathing is one of the simplest ways to quickly calm anxiety.

Before your appointment, practice taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, then breathe out through your mouth for four counts. It triggers your body’s natural relaxation response and lowers stress hormones.

Schedule Morning Appointments

Don’t give yourself all day to worry about it.

Make your dental appointments for early in the morning so you have less time to become anxious. You’ll get it over with while your mind is fresh and not spend the rest of the day dreading it.

How Can Your Dentist Help You?

Modern dentistry has come a long way when it comes to patient comfort.

Dentists these days are trained in how to work with anxious patients, and they have a number of tools at their disposal to help you relax. Don’t be afraid to ask them about these options, by the way – they’re there specifically for people like you!

Sedation Options

In severe cases, sedation dentistry can help.

There are options ranging from mild sedation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) to oral sedatives you take before your appointment. These make you feel calm and relaxed while allowing you to remain awake and conscious during treatment. In extreme cases, IV sedation is available for complex procedures or patients with severe dental phobia.

Gentle Dental Techniques

A lot of dentists now specialise in techniques specifically for anxious patients.

This includes putting numbing gel on the injection site so you barely feel the needle. They take their time, take more breaks, and constantly check in with you. The key is finding a dentist who understands and respects anxiety.

Signal Systems

Establish a “stop” signal with your dentist before treatment begins.

It can be as simple as raising your hand to indicate you need a break. Knowing you have the power to pause the procedure at any time can help alleviate that feeling of helplessness. Most dentists are happy to set up a signal system like this because it makes the whole experience easier on both of them.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming dental anxiety is a process that takes time.

You can’t change your brain and behaviour overnight. It takes multiple positive experiences to rewire your brain so that you feel safe at the dentist. So, start small if you haven’t been in years – just a basic check-up is fine. Once you’ve successfully had one visit, it becomes much easier to come back for the next one.

Your oral health is too important for you to let fear hold you back. Problems won’t get better on their own – they only get worse over time. So, investing in conquering your anxiety now is an investment in healthier teeth and gums for the rest of your life.

Remember this: you can do this. Managing dental anxiety is possible with the right strategies and support. Whether it’s relaxation techniques, bringing a support person, or sedation options – there’s a solution that works for you. Quality dental services Australia patients can trust are out there, with professionals who understand anxiety and how to help.