The thought of visiting the dentist can bring about feelings of fear, nervousness, unease and anxiety.
There’s a name for it – dental anxiety – and it’s more common than you think.
While dental anxiety can affect everyone from all walks of life, it can significantly impact
neurodiverse individuals including those with autism, ADHD or sensory sensitivities, presenting its own unique set of challenges.
By understanding both dental anxiety and the connection to neurodiversity, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive dental care environment.
Dental anxiety, in a nutshell
Do you delay or avoid visiting the dentist? Do you get nervous at the thought of undergoing simple dental procedures? If so, you could be suffering from dental anxiety.
Dental anxiety refers to the fear, apprehension, or stress associated with visiting the dentist. While it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about dental procedures, dental anxiety is a heightened version of this and can even be debilitating for some. In Australia, dental fear and anxiety affect about 16% of adults and 10% of children.1
Our prinicpal dental surgeon, Dr. Henriette Macri-Etienne, beautifully sums up dental anxiety:
“It’s a deeply personal experience that can stem from various factors. Regardless, both patients and dental professionals need to recognise that dental anxiety isn’t just a matter of fear — it’s often an emotional response rooted in past experiences or sensory sensitivities. So compassion is key when trying to overcome it.”
What causes dental anxiety?
As Dr Henriette mentioned, many causes can be tied to personal past experiences and expectations. Sometimes, these feelings of anxiety develop over time, especially during long waits between appointments. Common causes include:
- Past traumatic experiences: A negative experience at the dentist, particularly in childhood, can linger even into adulthood.
- Fear of pain: While dental practices like Smile On Canberra provide extra support to minimise pain and make your procedure a calm experience, the fear of potential pain during procedures can always be front of mind.
- Embarrassment: Some individuals feel self-conscious about the condition of their teeth or bad breath, which may make them anxious about being judged by their dentist.
- Loss of control: The idea of lying in a chair, mouth open, while someone works on your teeth can be anxiety-inducing.
- Needles and drilling sounds: The sound of drills or the sight of needles can trigger anxiety in those with specific phobias.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can manifest in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Common signs include:
- Increased heart rate: A racing heart or palpitations.
- Sweating: Many people with dental anxiety experience excessive sweating before or during appointments. You might feel it on the palms of your hands, armpits, back and brow area.
- Trembling or shaking: The body’s physical response to fear may cause shaking or trembling.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach at the thought of having dental procedures done.
- Crying or distress: Emotional responses like crying are especially common in children or individuals with an aversion to dental procedures.
The relationship between Dental Anxiety and Neurodiversity
Dr. Henriette explains, “Patients with neurodiverse needs may have different triggers for their
anxiety. A bright overhead light that seems ordinary to one person could feel overwhelming and painful for someone with sensory processing challenges. We have to be attuned to those
sensitivities and provide gentle, compassionate support when needed.”
For neurodiverse individuals, dental anxiety can present their own set of challenges, unique to each person. Neurodiversity encompasses autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorders and more. Many have a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises and unfamiliar textures, which are often present in a dental office.
Dr. Henriette says, “At Smile On Canberra, we go above and beyond to provide support for those with dental anxiety. We provide a Comfort Menu for all our patients, designed to nourish, nurture and calm anxieties. You can choose from herbal teas, heated pillows and blankets, happy gas and more.”
“Other support items in our Comfort Menu include Pulsetto for vagus nerve stimulation, ear seeds for relaxation and even acupuncture to help create calm.”
How to manage dental anxiety
When addressing dental anxiety, communication and compassion are essential for both the patient and the dentist. Before the procedure, communicate with your dentist about any fears or worries you might have.
Here are other tips on making dental visits more comfortable:
For patients:
- Breathing techniques: Practicing deep, controlled breathing can help calm nerves before and during the appointment. Focus on slow inhalations and exhalations through the nose to maintain a steady heartbeat.
- Distraction: Bringing headphones and listening to music or a podcast can be an excellent way to divert attention from the sounds and sensations of the dental procedure.
- Sedation options: Ask your dentist about sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation which can significantly reduce anxiety.
- Positive visualisation: Mentally visualising a positive outcome or thinking about how good it will feel to have the procedure done can help shift focus away from the anxiety. Your dentist is there to bring out your best smile.
- Acupuncture for dentistry: Acupuncture can be effective for treating dental phobias. Ask Dr Henriette for more information, as she’s trained in it!
At Smile On Canberra, these are some of the things our dentists do to create a safe space for you:
- Open communication to build trust: Our staff take the time to listen because empathy can make a world of difference. “I always try to create an environment where patients feel heard,” says Dr. Henriette. “It’s important that they know they’re not just another appointment on the schedule.”
- Explain procedures clearly: Your dentist will always explain the procedure simply, especially if you fear the unknown. Don’t be afraid to ask them all your questions, they love it!
- Use calming techniques: Our dentists can create a calm, quiet environment by dimming lights, playing soothing music and minimising loud noises. You’re welcome to use any resources from our Comfort Menu to give yourself a spa-like experience filled with calm.
- Offer sedation techniques: In cases of extreme anxiety, we can offer oral sedation options can help patients feel more at ease and even laughing gas.
Dental care for patients with neurodiverse needs
When treating neurodiverse patients, dentists must adopt a tailored, patient-centred approach that accommodates their needs. Here are some best practices for providing dental care to neurodiverse individuals:
For dentists:
- Adjust the environment: Sensory sensitivities can be a significant source of anxiety. Small changes like dimming the lights, providing noise-cancelling headphones or even scheduling appointments during quieter times can make a huge difference.
- Clear communication: Using short, straightforward sentences helps minimise confusion and anxiety. Avoiding medical jargon is crucial.
- Routine and predictability: Neurodiverse individuals often thrive on routine. Dentists can offer a predictable sequence of steps during the appointment and avoid sudden changes.
For patients:
- Prepare ahead of time: If possible, visit the dental office to familiarise yourself with the
space. - Use comfort objects: Bringing a favourite toy, blanket or another comfort object can help soothe nerves.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, stress balls, or visual imagery can
effectively calm the nervous system. - Ask for accommodations: Don’t hesitate to ask for accommodations like longer appointment times, breaks during the procedure or a quiet environment.
Dental anxiety affects many, but can be effectively managed
Dental anxiety affects many, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to good oral health.
By recognising the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and implementing strategies that cater to their specific needs, both patients and dentists can work together to create a more comfortable, inclusive dental care experience.
As Dr. Henriette puts it, “The key to overcoming dental anxiety is communication, patience, and empathy. When we work together, we can help every patient feel safe and supported during their dental care journey.”
Book your appointment with Smile On Canberra today.
1 https://health.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/colgate-special-topics/dental-fear-and-anxiety