Dental anxiety

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety refers to feelings of fear, stress, or unease related to visiting the dentist. For some, this may mean mild worry before a check-up; for others, it can be so overwhelming that they avoid dental care altogether — sometimes for years. Common triggers include the sound of drills, the sight of needles, or the clinical environment itself.

In more severe cases, this anxiety becomes a dental phobia — an intense and often irrational fear that significantly interferes with a person’s ability to attend dental appointments or receive treatment.

Anxiety vs. Phobia: What’s the Difference?

While dental anxiety and dental phobia are related, they differ in intensity and impact:

• Dental Anxiety is relatively common and involves mild to moderate worry or nervousness about dental procedures. It may cause temporary stress but often allows the person to go ahead with treatment.

• Dental Phobia, on the other hand, is a more extreme form of anxiety. It involves intense fear that is disproportionate to the situation. People with dental phobia may avoid the dentist completely, which can lead to serious oral health issues over time.

Studies suggest that between 9% and 20% of the population experience some level of dental anxiety, with higher rates in groups such as children, older adults, and those who’ve had traumatic dental experiences in the past.

How to Manage Dental Anxiety

If you’re struggling with dental anxiety or phobia, you’re not alone — and there are effective ways to take back control:

• Talk to your dentist
  A compassionate dentist can help explain procedures in advance, answer your questions, and offer options for comfort and support.

• Try hypnosis
  Hypnosis is a powerful way to reduce anxiety by calming the mind and body. Techniques such as guided visualisation, deep breathing, and progressive relaxation help you shift into a calmer state before and during dental visits.

• Use relaxation techniques
  Practicing calming exercises before your appointment — like breathing techniques, meditation, or grounding — can help reduce tension and prepare you mentally.

• Consider conscious sedation
  Options like nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) may be available through your dentist to help you feel more at ease during treatment.

• Educate yourself
  Understanding what to expect can reduce fear. Sometimes, fear comes from the unknown — learning more about procedures, tools, and safety can ease your mind.

• Find a supportive dentist
  Look for a dentist who is experienced in working with anxious clients and who is open to taking things at your pace.

Free Hypnosis Audio for Dental Anxiety

If you’re new to hypnosis, I’ve created a short MP3 you can download for free below. It’s designed to give you a gentle introduction to the calming effects of hypnotherapy.

If you’re looking for more personalised support, I also offer one-on-one hypnosis sessions tailored to your specific needs. Feel free to reach out to book a consultation and start feeling more confident about your dental care.