A dentist is teaching a small boy who is sitting on the dental chair, how to brush the teeth with brush and paste in his hands, a woman dentist can be seen around.

Does a visit to the dentist scare you? Worry not! You’re not the only one. Dental anxiety is a common problem in both children and adults, and unfortunately, the greatest barrier to dental care. Stress is usually cited as a key motivator for irregular dental attendance, which exacerbates feelings of shame and inferiority and deteriorating oral health.

Dentists say dental anxiety must be overcome at all costs to provide proper dental care. A regular dental appointment is essential to prevent dental disease and identify any problems early. For any recurring dental issues, this could result in less invasive and less expensive treatments.

Leading dentists from the top dental hospital in Gowrivakkam believe dental anxiety can easily be reduced with a few informed measures. Listening to music is one such approach. Find out more about how music can help in reducing dental fears.

But before that, learn what causes dental anxiety.

Dental Anxiety: Causes And Symptoms

Dental anxiety is a fear of going to the dentist and is associated with clinically significant oral and dental health deterioration. The most common reasons are the fears triggered by needles, drills, and the dental environment in general. It is caused by the sight, sound, and vibrational sensation produced by rotary dental drills and dental local anaesthetic injections.

According to the literature, dental anxiety is also associated with gender and age and is more prevalent in girls than boys. In addition, it is also associated with increased levels of caries and behavioural management issues. Children who have had negative dental experiences are also known to show dental anxiety.

However, dentists believe that dental anxiety can be overcome if the patients are cared for and supported. This can avoid complex treatment and more emergency care in the future.

Dental anxiety often causes sweating and an increased heart rate. The reluctance to visit a dentist is the most obvious indicator of dental anxiety.

Methods commonly used to relieve dental anxiety

There are many ways to reduce dental anxiety, including pharmacological strategies, biofeedback, hypnosis, and behavioural interventions, among other approaches. A few dental clinics, like the best dental clinic in Gowrivakkam, use a customised treatment plan to help manage their patient’s dental anxiety.

Dentists and doctors may prescribe oral anxiety-relieving medications to anxious patients to help them relax before their dental appointment. For patients with severe anxiety, the dentist may use nitrous oxide sedation to relax their patients. Some dentists provide sedation for their patients’ comfort. A dentist and an anaesthetist work together to provide treatment under general anaesthesia. However, a general anaesthetic is not a good option for everyone, as you will need to go to the dentist’s office before and after the procedure.

Behavioural management of dental anxiety is more effective than anxiolytic drug therapy, and relaxation techniques effectively alleviate dental anxiety. Music therapy is one such effective approach. Find out how listening to music can reduce dental anxiety.

A lady dentist is examining the dental health of an old man with the help of dental probe and mouth mirror.

How can music help alleviate dental anxiety?

Music can help alleviate dental anxiety by making the patient feel more confident and comfortable. Music has been used in various medical fields to help patients meet their physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs. Music therapy interventions are statistically significantly more effective than passive music listening interventions for various outcomes, including anxiety and pain reduction.

As a way of reducing dental anxiety, music is played in dental offices and hospitals. Listening to music can help patients stay in the right frame of mind and concentrate less on the procedure when dealing with dental anxiety. In short, it can help people who suffer from dental anxiety stay calm during dental procedures.

Dentists suggest listening to music or audiobooks while you have your dental work done. Music and audiobooks can also help you relax and unwind while you are waiting for your dental appointment. It is possible to reduce dental anxiety by using headphones to listen to music during the procedure. Patients can reduce their dental anxiety by wearing noise-cancelling headphones.

Wrapping up:

Studies have proven that listening to music before and during dental appointments can help relieve anxiety greatly. There are also ways to reduce dental anxiety by talking to the dentist and using hand signals if you become overwhelmed during treatment. If you have dental anxiety, ensure that you inform your dentists beforehand. They can help you make yourself more comfortable during your visit.