Oral healthcare is still on the back burner for many South Africans. Unfortunately, socio-economic circumstances mean that numerous citizens in our country do not have access to a dentist or dental clinic and thus prefer to seek out at-home remedies when issues arise. There is also a lack of education regarding caring for one’s mouth, gums, and teeth, and for this reason, too many individuals deal with agonising conditions alone, which could lead to a worsening of disease and pain.
At the Intercare Group, we believe in making healthcare accessible in terms of location and cost, and each state-of-the-art dental clinic within our medical centres is no different. We also believe in comfortable and compassionate treatment where our dentists walk the journey with patients, empowering them to care for themselves better. We, therefore, understand that many patients deal with a fear of dentists and oral healthcare treatments, which is why we explore a few ways to overcome this anxiety below.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Visiting a dentist can create an extreme sense of distress and fear in some people, and there is, in fact, a term for this unease – dental anxiety. It is not uncommon amongst children and even adults, and manifests in avoidance behaviour, feeling panic-stricken when the need to visit a dentist arises, and symptoms such as nervousness, feeling ill, and even panic attacks. This condition is extremely uncomfortable and is a major reason why some people would prefer to simply ignore their dental health issues before ever seeking help. It can also lead to obsessive behaviours such as overbrushing or flossing constantly to avoid visiting a dentist – and this may have the opposite effect as this can be damaging to the gums and teeth.
Why Dental Anxiety Could Be Dangerous
Dental phobia and anxiety can be damaging to patients as it means they are less likely to seek out medical help when they are in pain or in dire need of help. This means painful and even life-threatening conditions such as cancer are allowed to progress, which is harmful to the patient in the end. If you are currently dealing with anxiety surrounding a visit to a dentistry clinic, no matter how mild, it may help to get to the root of the issue. Understanding what causes your fear of visiting a dental practitioner will assist you in managing the condition through focused coping techniques.
Being Afraid of Painful Treatments
Dentists often get a bad rap as professionals who enjoy inflicting pain on others. This notion is patently false, however, as most dentists are compassionate individuals who entered their line of work in order to ease pain and help their patients. Having a negative association with a poor prior experience, as well as hearing frightening tales of other people’s experiences, may inform an individual’s current frame of reference, which leads to heightened anxiety surrounding dental clinic visits. Some patients also feel terrified of needles – which is a common phobia, and stems from a fear of pain, too.
Dentistry has, thankfully, come a long way in recent years, and modern technology and medications mean that treatments are not nearly as uncomfortable as they once were. Patients who are afraid of experiencing pain should also feel free to talk to their dentist about this phobia and ask that their dentist communicates well throughout treatment to ensure that no unexpected discomfort or pain is experienced.
Feeling Out of Control or Vulnerable
A valid fear for some people is the lack of control they experience when in a medical environment. After all, being poked and prodded without one’s consent is never pleasant. This feeling of helplessness may be exacerbated while laying back on a dental chair with an open mouth and a limited range of visibility. Here, it is essential to connect with a dentist you trust and speak to them about your concerns.
You can also request that they communicate to you what is happening during every step of the procedure and what to expect next. Not only does this create a sense of collaboration with your dentist, but it will allow you to feel as though you are more in control of the situation.
Feeling Embarrassed About Your Mouth
A dental examination is an undeniably up-close-and-personal experience. Having a stranger in your personal space, as well as embarrassment about the condition of your teeth, are common feelings for many patients. It is important to remember that, firstly, dentists do what they do to improve the oral health of their patients. Most have seen countless patients across their career spans and will not judge you in any way; their interest is entirely on your well-being, and they will work to improve your current condition.
There is no need to feel self-conscious about your mouth, teeth and gums, as dentists deal with a range of issues daily – from chronic bad breath to oral cancer and periodontal disease. If it helps, you can discuss these insecurities with your dentist and ask about how common they are and what the usual treatments entail beforehand to quell any fears of judgement you may have.
Speak to Someone – Including Your Dentist
If you are currently struggling to overcome anxiety or a phobia regarding a visit to a dental clinic, speaking to someone close – or even a professional counsellor – may be empowering. Fortunately, our medical centres across South Africa have psychologists and counsellors available for issues such as these, and they have the added advantage of working within a medical setting, too.
They will be able to help you with mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, or even give you ideas on ways to distract yourself (like listening to headphones or squeezing a stress ball). You can also discuss your fears with your dentist. Speaking to your dentist will establish trust and help you to feel better understood – which is already much of the weight lifted off your shoulders. You can also agree on a signal with your dentist, such as raising a hand, when you feel in pain or are stressed and require a short break.
Feeling Better Prepared Helps, Too
For some people with anxiety, feeling prepared can help ease some of the dread. This means that before you come, you may want to brush and floss thoroughly, be at your appointment early, and speak to the reception staff about what you can expect during your visit. We also have an ultra-easy online booking system, which means you can quickly book your appointment online with no stress involved.
For more information, feel free to contact our professional and compassionate staff today.