Guest post by Tabitha Acret, Dental Hygienist at AIRFLOW Dental Spa
For many people, the thought of going to the dentist isn’t too high up on their to-do list. For some, the mere thought of setting foot in the dentist summons mild anxiety, and for others this fear is extreme. When this feeling becomes crippling we diagnose this as a phobia. Unfortunately, those people who do suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia are more prone to facing dental complications and poor oral health due to their avoidance of regular check-ups.
Different moments and actions at the dentist cause anxiety, it can range from the smells, words, needles, types of treatment, discussion of disease, or the whole setting in general. By avoiding the situations that trigger this anxiety it often only heightens this fear meaning there becomes a greater need for emergency care or more complex treatment. A bit of a catch 22 as the vicious cycle continues.
The cause of dental anxiety is different for every person but the majority stem from previous traumatic experiences, physical or not, as well as individuals who may have been subject to abuse.
For those people who have experienced previous dental trauma, I want to acknowledge that unfortunately, ‘old school’ dentistry wasn’t overly nice. However, as technology has improved along with our dental knowledge and education, so too has the treatment and management of patients. With advancements in the science and technology sector, more comfortable, preventative approaches have become available with an emphasis on being gentle. As we continue to understand more about prevention and care, we are able to hero less invasive treatments that rule out the need for more complex treatment later down the track.
By attending regular dental check-ups and cleans you are able to help prevent disease if not identify it early. The majority of dental disease is a result of lifestyle choices meaning it is and most of the time preventable. Whilst it is important for everyone to try and limit sugar consumption, brush 2x daily and clean between your teeth to prevent disease, it is even more important for patients with anxiety to ensure that no oral health concerns exacerbate and complex treatments are avoided.
Many of you are probably thinking “yeah I get that, but how do I deal with my anxiety to even start the process of preventative dental care?”, and I have some tips for this as well:
- Research. Find out which dental practices are most welcoming of anxious patients; there are many clinicians who specialise in treating those that have a fear. Seek personal recommendations too, don’t be afraid to ask around or even use Social Media.
- Know what technology is available at each practice. Technology such as the AIRFLOW Dental Spa means that you can experience clean teeth without the pain. This process allows for a non-invasive, warm, and gentle removal of plaque with zero use of instruments that produce scratching sounds and or cause pain and sensitivity. It’s like a day at the spa, not the dentist, who doesn’t enjoy the beautician?
- Tell the practice you are anxious and let them know what your triggers are. For example, if it’s certain words or instruments the dental team will know to avoid this and approach the situation differently.
- Have a phone call with the practice before attending so that you can discuss any concerns well ahead of your appointment, therefore the clinician or hygienist is prepared.
- Schedule your appointment early on in the morning so you aren’t dwelling on it for the entire day.
- Remember you are in control. You need to consent to all treatment. If you’re not feeling comfortable then tell your dental professional immediately and the appointment can end for you to then discuss a new strategy.
- Think about taking someone you trust, or someone who calms you to the appointment.
- Seek distraction. Bring your headphones and listen to music or your favourite podcast while in the chair.
- Try relaxation techniques. Meditate before attending and focus on breathing techniques while in the waiting room.
If you do suffer from dental phobia and discussions of the topic even feel hard, try using tele-dentistry as a stepping stone. This is a way to conduct your first dental visit from the comfort of your own home using an internet consulting service, a place to comfortably discuss your concerns and your current dental health.
Please remember you are not alone. Dental phobia should not be isolating as many people suffer anxiety around treatment. Your dental team will always be understanding and work with you to create a safe and comfortable environment. Taking control of your phobia and finding what works best for you and your anxiety is an important step to maintaining your dental and overall health.
ABOUT: Tabitha has 22 years’ experience in the dental industry. She graduated from Newcastle University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Oral Health and has since worked in private practice and as a dental educator at Sydney University.
Tabitha has a passion for community dentistry, preventative care and implant maintenance. She has volunteered clinically both within Australia and overseas and volunteers on a regular basis for the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA). She is the current DHAA National Vice President, Northern Territory Director and Chair of Continuing Education nationally. ABOUT: The recently launched EMS AIRFLOW® Dental spa means that you can now experience lighter and brighter clean teeth without the pain! No more mess, no more nails scraping like noise on the blackboard and no more cold water. AIRFLOW® is a revolutionary, non-contact form of dental cleaning and prevention. It projects a controlled stream of air, warm water and powder onto the tooth and in hard-to-reach areas to dislodge and remove food, bacteria, discolouration and stains. Goodbye coffee and red wine stains! The high-pressure water/air stream cleans your teeth much faster, efficiently and comfortably than the use of traditional cleaning methods. AIRFLOW® is akin to being at a day spa but instead of beauticians working on your face, your dentist or dental hygienist is gently exfoliating your teeth. With the water in the AIRFLOW® Dental Spa heats up to 40 degrees, it’s a positively warm experience.
To experience the AIRFLOW Dental Spa visit www.airflowdentalspa.com.au to find your closest dental practice. Can’t find a practice near you? Recommend your local dental practice here: www.airflowdentalspa.com.au/suggest-practice
