Dental anxiety: How to have a more comfortable tooth cleaning at the dentist

For some people, going to the dentist can be an uncomfortable experience. Maybe you don’t like the sounds of the instruments buzzing or the feeling of having someone else’s hands inside your mouth.

If you avoid seeing the dentist for any of these reasons, you’re in good company. About 36% of American adults have general dental anxiety, while 12% have extreme dental anxiety.

“Oftentimes when patients come in with dental anxiety, it stems from a previous poor experience, usually from childhood,” says Andres Gonzalez, D.D.S. He’s a dentist with Symphony Dental Studio in San Francisco. That can be anything from experiencing pain during a procedure, not feeling in control of your own body, not understanding what’s happening during a procedure, or even someone dismissing your concerns, he says.

If you are someone who skips regular dental appointments, here’s how you can feel more confident that you will have a good experience next time you go.

Thinking about a dental plan? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about available plans, or browse your options today.

1. Stop worrying that you’ll be judged.

It’s natural to think that your dentist may be critical of how well you take care of your teeth and mouth. But dentists get into this profession to help people, not make them feel bad.

“Whether a patient has a concern about a chipped tooth, bleeding gums or even that they have not seen a dentist in over 10 years, we are driven to come up with a plan together with the patient and do what we can to help them achieve their goals,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “This is our main focus, and all dental offices should be judgment-free zones.”

2. Have a conversation with your dentist about your dental anxiety.

If your dentist’s office doesn’t feel like a judgement-free zone to you, take steps to help build a better relationship.

“If you are feeling judged or uncomfortable with your current dentist, it is important to communicate this to them,” says Kevin Varley, D.D.S. He’s a dentist with Stonebrook Family Dental in Aurora, Colorado. “You can explain the feelings that arise when they make comments or ask questions and try to work together on how to best address these issues in the future.”

If you still feel uncomfortable after discussing how you feel, it may be time to find a new dentist. “It is important to have a health care provider that makes you feel safe and supported,” says Dr. Varley.

3. Discuss options to manage your dental pain.

If your fear of pain is keeping you from getting in the dental chair, discuss it with your dentist before you make your next appointment. “It’s important to talk to your dentist about your options to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during treatment,” says Dr. Varley.

“Many dentists offer nitrous oxide as a form of sedation that can help reduce anxiety and make you more comfortable during treatment,” says Dr. Varley. Also known as laughing gas, it’s an odorless gas that’s commonly used in dentistry to help limit pain and discomfort during procedures. It’s typically inhaled through the nose, and the effects wear off very quickly.

There are also numbing agents that dentists can use to lessen pain in areas of your mouth. And Dr. Varley adds that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment may also help with any post-procedure discomfort.

A great way to avoid future dental pain: having routine dental care. A dental plan can help you cover the costs. Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about available plans, or browse your options today.

4. Put calming techniques to good use.

If the entire dental experience leaves you on edge, there are tools and tricks to help distract and calm you down. “Headphones are a great option,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “You can use them to listen to music, an audiobook or a podcast.” And if you forget to bring them, your dentist may have speakers that can play relaxing music for you.

Dr. Gonzalez also says that bringing a pillow and blanket to make yourself feel more physically comfortable can help too. “I also have some patients who bring in a stress ball to squeeze during the appointment,” he says.

Research shows that mindfulness meditation can also help reduce dental anxiety. (That means relaxing your mind by focusing on the present moment.) According to a recent study in Scientific Reports, dental patients who have higher levels of mindfulness have lower levels of dental anxiety.

5. See your dentist more, not less.

The longer you put off seeing a dentist, the more likely it will be that you will have bigger oral health issues you’ll need to address. That could mean that the pain and discomfort you fear will be more likely to occur.

“When we see our patients on a regular 6-month basis, we can catch many issues while they are small and manageable, or even before an issue arises at all,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “When more time passes between appointments, something that might have been a small filling before may now need a root canal and crown.”

What does a dental cleaning cost?

Dental coverage can include a range of benefits, based on your oral health needs. Normally, if you have dental insurance through your employer or an individual dental plan, you’ll be covered for a certain number of routine cleanings each year. That means your insurance plan will help cover the costs. Plus, because they’re considered preventive care, cleanings are often covered with no deductible or waiting period.

Have further questions about dental insurance? Talk to a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990, or compare plans today.