Addressing dental fear through communication, adjustment
Dental fear may be prevalent among adult patients, according to a news article from Tufts University.
In a recent study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers found that more than 72% of U.S. adults reported experiencing dental fear, while about 27% of them categorized their dental fear as severe.
Experts cited in the article explained that dental patients may have feelings of fear because of the possibility of experiencing pain in the oral cavity — a part of the body seen as vulnerable and sensitive. However, dental professionals have the ability to assuage this fear and offer pain management solutions.
The experts noted that when patients express their fears and anxieties, it can enhance the dentist-patient relationship, enhance honest communication and establish trust. In turn, dentists can articulate confidence and personalize their approach to reduce fear — including informing patients of when needles will be used, administering alternative types of injections, asking which anxiety drugs they’re currently taking or have worked for patients in the past, demonstrating how to breathe through the nose during dental procedures to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and discussing postsurgical pain management.
The experts concluded that dentists have a critical role in making adjustments to address a patient’s individual needs.
Read more: Tufts Now
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.