It’s certainly not a nice feeling, and it continues to affect around “a third of patients awaiting their regular dental hygiene appointments in a new, if small, study published in BMC Oral Health.” This prevalence has remained relatively constant over the last 50 years, in spite of the advancements we have seen in technology to make the patient experience more comfortable.

So where is dental anxiety coming from and what are the causes of dental anxiety?

A lot of it has to do with priming and socialization. From an early age, we see our close friends and family members dreading the dentist – and we respond in kind. A study from NCU  indicates that a lot of the people experiencing forms of dental anxiety also face generalized anxiety in their day-to-day lives – it’s simply manifesting in a different experience.

In practice, dental anxiety can also stem from:

• Past negative experiences
• A lack of control over the situation
• Embarrassment about the care you’ve given to your teeth
• A fear of ridicule

Fortunately, there are many ways to help overcome this anxiety prior to and during your visit, and rest assured at Artistic Dental, we are dedicated to minimizing your discomfort and any fears you may have. Be it with our new massage chairs or calming artwork, we help you maintain optimal oral health, it is always with the goal of achieving your best smile.