What Is Oral Anxiety and How to Deal with It

Anxiety is described as a mental health disorder- there are several physical symptoms and in few cases (like with panic attacks), it can have physical signs that make people feel as they have severe disease. It creates many physical problems. If you are searching for the best knowledge, then you are in the right place. Here you will read what is oral anxiety and how to deal with it.

Oral Anxiety

Oral anxiety is a word used to explain fear, anxiety, or stress in a dental setting. Being scared to attend dental appointments can lead to avoiding dental treatment altogether. Oral anxiety can be connected with specific fears like needles, drills, or the dental setting. When it becomes severe and results in unreasonable fear and avoiding visits to the dentist, then it can be defined as dental phobia. Some mental health diseases such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression can boost the risk of oral anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Anxiety

People with oral anxiety may feel:

• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Canker sores
• Lichen planus
• Burning mouth
• Racing heartbeat
• Bruxism (grinding)
• Low blood pressure and fainting
• Temporomandibular joint disorders
• Visible distress, crying or signs of panic

Anxiety Teeth Problems

There are many teeth problems linked to anxiety, and some experts discovered that the link between the mouth and mental health is stronger than expected.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is a common problem with anxiety, and teeth grinding occurs during sleep. As it happens during sleep, people have no idea that they are grinding their teeth, and their enamel weakens, and they wake up with problems.

Teeth grinding can also occur during the day, and people don’t realize it until it starts to injure the jaw and have pain there. So if you have teeth grinding problems, then it is best to discuss this with your orthodontist. He or she will suggest you wear a retainer or guard at night that can shield your teeth from decay when you grind at night.

Acid

Stress and anxiety seem to have a connection with acid reflux, while acid reflux is a different disease. It has been confirmed that the stomach acids resulting during acid reflux can damage your teeth and enamel.

Tooth Fears

Many people do not have any problems with their teeth. But people who do have worries about their teeth think that every pain means an oral health problem. Also, over-brushing can harm their teeth and gums.

Ignoring Oral Health

Numerous people with anxiety neglect their oral health because they’re also involved with their other problems. Eating much sugar can cause problems for your teeth.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can harm the health of your teeth, and many reports reveal dry mouth with anxiety. Dry mouth requires less salivation, and saliva is necessary for maintaining your teeth. So a dry mouth can affect your oral health.

What Causes Oral Anxiety and Phobia?

There are many causes of oral anxiety and phobia. Here are some:

Fear of Pain

Fear of pain is a common cause of avoiding dental treatments. This fear begins from an old dental experience that was painful or from dental “pain and horror” stories. However, this feat is misplaced, as now, dental treatments are less painful.

Fear of Anesthetic

Many people fear the side effects of anesthesia like feeling faint, dizziness, and vomiting. Others don’t want the anesthesia or the ‘fat lip’ feeling linked with local anesthetics.

Feeling Loss of Control

Some people feel they’re losing control when sitting on a dental chair and when a dentist examine inside their mouths. They connect the feeling with helplessness.

Embarrassment

Some people feel nervous when dentists see inside their mouths and check their teeth and gums. Embarrassment can also occur from the little gap between a patient and dentist during treatment.

How to Deal with Dental Fears or Anxiety

There are different ways to deal with dental fears:

Find The Right Dentist

A big part of dealing with your dental fears is choosing the right dentist. Search the dentists who specialize in treating fearful patients. Make a list then start calling them; if you feel comfortable communicating with them, then you can visit with the dentist. On your visit, see the office environment. If you feel comfortable, then that’s a good sign- it’s a clinic that can treat your oral problems and anxiety.

Communicate Your Fears and Anxiety

The base of a great relationship is communication. Before you make an appointment with a dentist, it’s good to talk about your fears and anxiety. Your dentist will judge your condition and choose an action plan suited for your needs.

See If Medicines Are Needed

Medication can be given to keep a patient relaxed during treatment. Some medicines involve local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and oral or IV medicines. Consult with your dentist before taking medication.

Practice Relaxation

Relaxation activities can help you keep calm during treatment. One method to relax is by controlled breathing, which means inhaling a long breath and exhaling it slowly. This will reduce your heartbeat and relax your muscles.

Help From A Psychologist

If your fears are too high, then these tips will not work for you. Make an appointment with a psychologist who specializes in phobias or dental anxiety.

Summary

Oral anxiety is a word used to explain fear, anxiety or stress in a dental setting. Teeth grinding is a common problem with anxiety, and teeth grinding occurs during sleep. Also, over-brushing can harm your teeth and gums. Eating too much sugar can cause problems for your teeth. Dry mouth can harm the health of your teeth, and many with anxiety report dry mouth with anxiety.

In The End

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