Dentist Anxiety – Advice From Your Oxford Private Dentist

7th July 2022 Advice

It’s not uncommon for patients to have a fear of the dentist. Some have such bad dental phobia that they have avoided seeing a dentist for many years. While there is nothing wrong with being slightly afraid of going to the dentist, here at 41 South Bar private dentists work on creating a welcoming and comfortable environment where our patients can relax knowing their teeth are in the right place for them.

Where Does Fear Of The Dentist Come From?

It may have been a bad trip to the dentist when you were younger, or finding having masked dentists and dental hygienists inspect, clean and check your teeth is disconcerting. Because of this, attending regular oral health checks or other dental treatments can be fear-inducing. Whichever way your dislike of the dentist came about, it is important to check your teeth regularly.

While the fear of the dentist is a common anxiety that many children and adults suffer from, it is important to ensure that individuals are still attending regular dental hygiene treatments and checkups. Having dental anxiety can cause adults to avoid going to the dentist, resulting in poor oral hygiene, gum disease and tooth loss.

Symptoms Of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is the feeling of high levels of stress, fear and anxiety when associated with a dental setting – this can include contacting your dental practice, to attending consultations or appointments. These feelings can result in the delaying or avoidance of necessary or optional dental treatments.

Our team at 41 South Bar private dental practice in Oxfordshire, has encouraged and helped many patients through the symptoms of dental anxiety to help ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy. People deal with dental anxiety in different ways and some may experience the following symptoms:

Sweating
Racing heartbeat or palpitations
Low blood pressure, possible fainting
Lack of appetite
Crying or signs of panic
Nausea
Humour or aggression to mask the anxiety

How Can Dental Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health?

We have already covered the fact that those who suffer from dental anxiety, tend to avoid attending regular check-ups. However, what effect can missing regular dental appointments have on your teeth and oral health?

Plaque & Tartar Build-Up

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which mixes with food and proteins to form dental plaque. Plaque, over time, can damage your tooth’s enamel which is why it should be checked regularly and removed. If left untreated, plaque turns to tartar: a rough, dental build-up that compromises the health of your gums.

While the majority of plaque can be removed by regular teeth brushing, tartar can only be removed by dentistal hygienists and, when left untreated, can lead to weakened teeth and potential tooth decay and gum disease.

Risk Of Tooth Decay

Acids in our saliva can cause your tooth’s enamel to break down, leading to tooth decay. The acids are produced in the plaque when we eat or drink. If left untreated, enamel breakdown can lead to tooth cavities or even affect the nerve or the pulp of the tooth.

Cavities can start off small and grow over time, so regular dental checkups are encouraged to prevent tooth decay from increasing and causing you additional pain.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, often caused by the bacteria found in plaque, can cause pain and inflammation of your gums and if left untreated, gum disease can affect the bone around your teeth leading to your teeth falling out.

While this is not an extensive list of how dental anxiety can affect your oral health, regular dental check-ups are vital to ensure your teeth stay in tip-top condition and last you the majority of your lives with few issues!

Top Tips To Help With Dental Anxiety

Rather than postponing your visit to the dentist, our team of private dentists in Oxfordshire has several tips to help you ease your fears and help you get through your dental appointments.

Communication – speaking to your dentist about your fears and concerns can help. If explanations of each process help you prepare for the treatment, then they can explain each step so you know what to expect during your appointment. Alternatively, they can provide you with recommended relaxation techniques. By communicating with your private dentist, they can take the necessary steps to ensure you are at ease throughout.
Breathing Exercises – practising regular and controlled breathing exercises can help relax your mind, making you feel at ease and calmer. Keep your eyes closed and slowly inhale through your nose, hold your breath for a moment and then exhale. Feel free to repeat these steps as many times as you need, throughout your appointment.
Meditation & muscle relaxation – dental anxiety can increase whilst in the waiting room or as you take a seat in the dental chair. Focus your eyes on an object (or close them) and focus on relaxing your body, releasing any tension. You can do this throughout your appointment to remain calm and focused.
Happy thoughts – cliche, but it works! Visualising your “happy place”, thinking about past funny or happy moments or looking ahead to a fun day in the future can help ease anxiety and distract your mind.
Distraction – at 41 South Bar private dental practice, we will do everything in our power to ensure your appointments are as comfortable as possible. So if you need to have the television, radio or a podcast on whilst in the dentist’s chair, we will be happy to help facilitate your needs.
Bring a friend – If having a parent, partner or friend in the treatment room with you to help ease your anxiety, we will be happy to welcome them into your appointment with you

How Can 41 South Bar, Private Dentists In Oxfordshire Help You?

At 41 South Bar, our team of private dentists pride themselves on providing high-quality care and service to all of our patients and will always take the time to ensure you are comfortable. Not only do we offer general dentistry appointments, but if you suffer from dental anxiety and would like:

Our qualified private dentists can offer you a wide range of specialised dental, aesthetic or emergency treatments from our Oxfordshire private dental practice. For more information or to book a consultation with one of our private dentists, contact our helpful receptionist team today on 0195 262008. We will be happy to help you conquer your dental anxiety!