Do you start to feel uneasy as your dental appointment approaches? Or maybe that fear has stopped you from booking altogether? Dental anxiety is more common than you may realise, and it might ease your mind to know that you are not alone.
What Dental Anxiety Looks Like
Dental anxiety doesn’t just affect children, many adults suffer from dentist fear, too. This fear can range greatly, from mild symptoms like nervous sweats before an appointment, to full-blown fear of the dentist to the point you avoid it completely. Here are some common signs that you might experience with dental anxiety:
- Feel nervous or panicked in the days leading up to an appointment
- Avoid booking check-ups or cancel them last minute
- Struggle to sleep the night before a visit
- Have physical symptoms like sweating, a racing heart, or even nausea in the waiting room
- Feel overwhelmed by the sounds, smells, or sensations of a dental clinic
- Fear being judged about your oral health
- Common signs: sweating, racing heart, restlessness, panic at the thought of a dental visit
- It’s completely normal — and more common than most people realise
This kind of fear is real and can stem from past negative experiences, a fear of pain or needles, embarrassment about oral health, or simply a feeling of not being in control during treatment. At its core, dental anxiety is your mind’s way of trying to protect you from perceived danger or discomfort. But when it starts to get in the way of regular check-ups or causes you to delay much-needed care, it’s time to gently find ways to take back control, starting with the support from a dentist who understands.
Why It’s Important to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Overcoming dental anxiety is not only important for your metnal health but also your oral health. Did you know that dental fear and dental pain are often closely linked? When you neglect to schedule your routine checkups or cancel them at the last minute out of fear, you risk developing more complex and painful dental problems. This can create an unhealthy cycle where your anxiety causes your delay in treatment, your treatment becomes more intense which then reinforces your anxiety. This is why it’s so important to break the cycle and start taking measures to overcome your dental anxiety.
At Jetty Dental, our supportive team can help support you through your dental fears, but the key first step (and sometimes often the hardest), is to make your dental appointment.
Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Overcoming fear of the dentist doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools and a dental team that understands, the great news is that it is possible to feel more in control and comfortable during visits to the dentist. These tried-and-tested tips can help ease anxiety and turn your dental experience into something far less daunting:
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Anxiety can build up physically as well as mentally (cue racing heart, clenched muscles, and shortness of breath). Before your appointment or even in the waiting room, try:
- Deep, slow breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat.
- Gentle body scans: Relax one body part at a time from head to toe
- Calming playlists: Bring headphones and let your favourite music ease the nerves or even try a short, guided meditation
- Use distraction techniques
Shifting your focus away from the procedure can make a huge difference. At Jetty Dental, we use ceiling-mounted TV screens to keep your attention elsewhere. You can also:
- Bring your favourite podcast, audiobook, or playlist
- Fidget discreetly with a stress ball or calming object in your hands
- Ask your dentist if you can wear headphones during your appointment
- Stay informed
Knowing what to expect takes the fear of the unknown out of the equation.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist questions – we love curious patients
- Read up on the procedure beforehand (using trusted sources)
- Chat to our friendly team before your appointment, we’ll explain it all in simple, reassuring terms
- Create a self-care routine around your visit
A little preparation before and after can help ease your nerves more than you might think. Try the following:
- Avoid caffeine and sugar beforehand, which can both heighten anxiety
- Give yourself extra time so you don’t feel rushed and have time to relax prior to your appointment
- Prioritise a good nights sleep the night before to help feel refreshed and clear headed
- Stay consistent with appointments
The more often you visit the dentist, the more familiar and routine it becomes (and the less fearful it feels). Even just knowing the faces in the room, the layout of the clinic, and the general flow of a visit can reduce anxiety over time.
At Jetty Dental, we take this stress away from you by allowing you the option of rebooking your next regular check up at the end of your appointment. This way it’s all booked in and you don’t need to cause yourself more anxiety when trying to find availability in your schedule.
- Explore anxiety relief options
In some cases, if your fear is on the higher end of the scale, you might benefit from a bit of extra support. You can chat to your dentist about the options including:
- Mild sedatives or anti-anxiety medications
- Sedation options for more complex procedures
- Tailoring appointments to your pace and comfort level
- Find the right dentist, one you genuinely trust
One of the best ways to ease dental anxiety is by finding a dentist who truly understands and supports you and your needs. When looking for a dental practice, make sure you look for one that:
- Listens to your needs with understanding and without judgment
- Explains things in a calm, clear, and reassuring way
- Offers a welcoming, relaxed environment
Pro tip: You don’t need to try all of these at once. Even picking one or two that feel manageable can make a big difference. And if you’re unsure where to start, just reach out. The Jetty Dental team is here to help you feel safe, heard, and supported.
How Jetty Dental Supports Patients with Dental Anxiety
At Jetty Dental, we know that walking through the door can be the hardest part, especially if you’ve had a difficult dental experience in the past or have been putting off treatment for a while. That’s why supporting patients with dental anxiety isn’t an add-on for us but ingrained in everything we do.
From the moment you arrive, we aim to create a calm, welcoming environment that helps ease tension and builds trust. Here’s how we support you every step of the way:
We take the time to talk it through
From our first phone call to the moment you walk through the door, the Jetty Dental team are here to listen. Our reception staff and dental team can recognise signs of dental anxiety and will always take the time to talk with you to asnwer your questions, ease your worries, or simply offer a friendly chat to help you feel more at ease. You’re never just another appointment and your comfort genuinely matters to us.
We’ve designed spaces to soothe
Have you seen our brand new garden space? Our tranquil garden space was thoughtfully created to help ease nervousness and promote a sense of calm. It’s a peaceful place to sit and centre yourself before your appointment or to take a few grounding breaths afterwards. We are excited to see this recently opened space enjoyed by our patients.
We meet you where you’re at
Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last dental visit, we welcome you with zero judgment. Everyone’s journey is different, and our job is to support you with kindness, understanding, and professional care, no matter where you’re starting from.
At Jetty Dental, we truly believe that no one should have to fear going to the dentist. We’re here to make sure your experience feels safe, supportive, and even, dare we say, empowering.
So, if dental anxiety or fear of the dentist has been holding you back, know that you’re not alone and you definitely don’t have to push through it alone. We’re here to help.
Take that first step and book a visit with our friendly team today.
Whether it’s a simple check-up or just a chat to ease your mind, our team will meet you with care, compassion, and a calming space to support you.