How Common is Dental Anxiety? What You Need to Know

Dental anxiety occurs in both children and adult patients, sometimes frequently, and other times only rarely. However, some wonder if they are alone in the fight against dental anxiety. Thankfully, they are not!

Dental anxiety

Below is an overview of dental anxiety, including how common it is, which is a reasonable question for those who are experiencing feelings of unease or nervousness. 

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety appears in forms of fear, nervousness or uneasiness. Adult patients may have a nervous breakdown, anxiety attack or even a panic attack. Some adult patients even end up skipping dental appointments due to dental anxiety, which can lead to severe oral health problems. 

Children, on the other hand, may exhibit dental anxiety differently than adults. Most children may cry or throw a tantrum prior to their dentist appointment, both of which are typically the result of dental anxiety. Sometimes, children shut down completely, which may result in the dentist having a hard time examining their teeth and gums. 

Is dental anxiety common?

A lot of people are surprised to hear that almost everyone experiences dental anxiety from time to time; this includes children and adults. Most children experience dental anxiety when visiting the dentist, which many parents classify as fear. However, it often falls under the dental anxiety category instead. While fear may be an added element, most children become anxious about dental appointments due to the unknown or potential of pain, both of which are completely normal and common. 

Aside from children, adults also experience dental anxiety frequently. Adult patients tend to experience anxiety when preparing for a dental appointment because they are afraid of potential pain, which may be a result of oral surgery, dental drilling or extraction. Additionally, a lot of adult patients feel an element of embarrassment if they have lacked oral hygiene. This embarrassment may result in dental anxiety during or before the appointment; however, it is important to know that dental professionals will not pass any judgment!

Dental anxiety management

Because dental anxiety is so common in both children and adults, most dental teams have certain practices that can be used to reduce, eliminate or manage dental anxiety. 

Outlined below are some of the most common management tools that can be used for dental anxiety. 

• Sedation dentistry: Nitrous oxide or oral medications can be used for children and adults
• Bringing a friend or family member to sit chairside during the appointment or procedure
• Television shows or movies are almost always played above the dental chair to distract both children and adults
• Bringing headphones to listen to music during the appointment can be helpful in easing nerves and fear

Learn more today

Dental anxiety is common in everyone, including both adults and children. Because dental anxiety is so common, it means there are a lot of different ways that it can be overcome and managed. Working with a dentist is a great place to start, as they can provide helpful tips and recommendations for dental anxiety. Reach out today to learn more! 

Request an appointment here: https://www.adchutto.com or call Advanced Dental Care of Hutto at 512-368-7939 for an appointment in our Hutto office.

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Call our Hutto dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.