Anxiety is what we feel when we are afraid or worried about a particular event that is about to happen or which we think could happen in the future.

Feeling anxious can be normal in stressful situations. However, when it starts to interfere with our daily lives, it becomes an indication that we are developing an anxiety disorder that needs to be treated.

Many of us struggle with anxiety daily, whether it’s due to work pressure, financial worries, or a health concern. Today, we are going to talk about an overlooked form of anxiety, so what is dental anxiety, and how can we overcome it?

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What Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety happens when the thought of booking an appointment at the dentist brings negative feelings that make you physically and mentally ill, causing you to ignore the entire thought of going to the dentist, which leads to bad oral health.

These negative feelings could come in the form of insomnia, nervousness, excessive sweating, lightheadedness, or another form of fear.

Dental anxiety is usually ignored, and people don’t pay much attention to it, which could be a major cause of that anxiety itself.

 What Causes Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety triggers can vary from one person to the other. Putting a hand on which factors trigger your fear could play a vital part in the healing process. Some of these factors include:

●     Fear of past experiences.

●     Fear of dental tools.

●     Fear of anesthesia.

●     Fear of side effects.

●     Fear of embarrassment.

How To Overcome Dental Anxiety

As mentioned before, addressing the problem is the first step in your healing journey. However, there are other tips and coping mechanisms you can try to relieve your anxiety as much as possible. Here are a few:

Discuss Your Fear With Your Dentist

Sit with your dentist, discuss your fears and concerns, ask questions about the procedure, and get more information about the side effects and the aftercare process.

Once you open up, it makes it easier for your dentist to understand your needs and makes you more assured that your concerns are well received and understood.

Try Relaxing Techniques

If meditation is your thing, do it. If not, you can always try some stress relief gadgets, such as a stress ball. Try taking deep, slow, and controlled breaths to improve oxygen flow and loosen the tension in your muscles.

Try the 3-3-3 Rule

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple yet powerful technique that can help you manage your anxiety by shifting your attention from one thing to the other. The truth is that human nature makes the brain incapable of directing attention to more than one thing at a time, so when anxiety is denied that attention, it automatically decreases.

 This rule requires you to identify three things you can see, three things you can hear, and three ways you can move your body. The movement could be as simple as wiggling a toe, moving a finger, or closing your eyes.

 This technique can help disrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts, bring you to more peaceful sessions, and calm you down.

Knowledge Is Power

Considering these tips, it is also important to learn more about the procedure before your appointment. Knowledge prevents the fear of the unknown, leading to less anxiety and, eventually, a fear-free visit to the dentist.

However, it’s important to remember that anxiety can be a complex issue. If you find that your fear of the dentist is significantly impacting your life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

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