Is Dental Anxiety Affecting Your Oral Health? For many Australians, the idea of visiting the dentist can bring on a wave of anxiety. Whether it’s the sound of the drill, past bad experiences, or simply fear of the unknown, dental anxiety is more common than you might think. But could this fear be doing more harm than you realise?
What Is Dental Anxiety? Dental anxiety refers to the stress, fear, or uneasiness people feel before or during dental appointments. It ranges from mild nervousness to extreme phobia, also known as dental phobia, which can lead to avoiding the dentist altogether.
How Common Is It? According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), nearly one in six adults report high dental fear. Among children, the numbers are even higher. This widespread issue can have serious consequences for oral and overall health.
Signs Your Dental Anxiety Might Be Affecting You You may not even realise dental anxiety is impacting your health until problems arise. Common signs include: •
Skipping or postponing dental appointments
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Feeling physically ill before a dental visit Difficulty sleeping the night before Increased heart rate or panic attacks in the chair
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth addressing the issue early.
How It Impacts Your Oral Health Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety can lead to: 1. Worsening Dental Problems Minor issues like plaque buildup or small cavities can quickly turn into major problems like gum disease or tooth loss if left untreated. 2. Poor Oral Hygiene Habits People with dental fear often neglect brushing and flossing, worried it may lead to pain or bleeding gums. 3. Emergency Visits Become the Norm When routine care is avoided, it often leads to more painful and costly emergency treatments — reinforcing the cycle of fear.
What Causes Dental Anxiety? There’s no single cause, but common triggers include: • • • •
Past negative experiences Fear of pain or needles Embarrassment about oral health Feeling helpless or out of control during treatment
Understanding the cause of your anxiety can be the first step in overcoming it.
How to Cope with Dental Anxiety The good news is that there are effective ways to manage and reduce dental anxiety: • • • •
Choose the right dentist – Look for a provider who specialises in anxious patients and offers a calm, reassuring approach. Communicate openly – Let your dentist know about your fears. They can adjust their approach and take breaks if needed. Use relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, guided imagery, or listening to music during treatment can help ease nerves. Consider sedation options – For severe anxiety, options like nitrous oxide or oral sedation may be available.
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Bring a support person – Having a friend or family member by your side can offer comfort.
A Friendly Visit Can Make a Big Difference Dental care doesn’t have to be scary. Today’s dental clinics are more focused than ever on patient comfort, with modern tools and techniques that minimise pain and discomfort. Don’t let fear hold you back from a healthy smile. Regular check-ups are key to preventing bigger problems down the track.
Final Thoughts If you’ve been putting off a dental visit because of fear, you’re not alone — but help is available. Taking small steps now can save you from larger health issues later. Talk to your dentist, ask questions, and remember: your oral health is worth it.
