No one ever really wants to go to the dentist. It is not something that very many people enjoy. Yet at what point does dread about the dentist become dental anxiety? Here’s how to recognize dental anxiety and what you can do about it.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
When you have dental anxiety, the feeling goes much deeper than not wanting to go to the dentist. This can be a very serious matter that may seem impossible to conquer. A few symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating at or when thinking about the dentist
- Racing heartrate
- Low blood pressure and possible fainting
- Crying or feelings of panic
- Withdrawal
- Using anger to mask anxiety
If you have any of these symptoms either while at or while thinking about the dentist, you probably have dental anxiety. Luckily, there are some ways to combat it.
Don’t Put Off Dental Work
You should never put off needed dental work because of dental anxiety. Putting off dental work, even just a cleaning and exam, can put your oral health and overall health in jeopardy. The sooner dental problems are detected and treated, the more likely it will be that you can keep your teeth.
Talking to your Dentist
There are a lot of ways that you can combat this anxiety. Your first step is to talk to your dentist. Let them know how you are feeling so that they can help you overcome it. Your dentist has several options to help you get through your appointment, such as gas treatments. Some other ways to combat this include:
- Listening to your favorite music while in the dentist’s chair
- Listening to a guided meditation during procedures
- Closing your eyes and visualizing your favorite place or activity
- Visiting a psychotherapist for help and prescription anxiety medications
If you are suffering from dental anxiety, don’t let it keep you from taking care of your teeth. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you overcome dental anxiety.
