Peter Sbaraglia: Easing Dental Phobia

Poet William Arthur Ward is famously known for saying: “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness,” a smile illuminates the face and is a beacon of warmth and welcoming. Despite most of us knowing the power of a warm smile, some people are hesitant to show off their pearly whites due to tooth loss, discoloration, or some other oral health issue. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_smile.html

However, many people suffer from embarrassment needlessly because they are unaware of the advancements in dental technology that can create a fabulous smile where there was once doubt or shame.

Fear is one of the most prevalent reasons for why people skip visiting the dentist. Despite the many proven benefits of good oral hygiene (http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/5-reasons-why-oral-care-matters/#A2m5xKRoZB0bfsBR.97), not only for dental health but for overall health, it is estimated that one third (35 percent) of Canadians do not visit the dentist regularly. Approximately half of those respondents reported having some varying degrees of anxiety related to visiting the dentist. http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/how-to-get-over-your-fear-of-the-dentist/#dWP4QYudU7UmfSZy.97

“We now know that there is significant fear and anxiety towards dental care within our population. Within Canada, the most recent study shows that 5.5 percent are very afraid, and 9.8 percent are somewhat afraid,” a 2015 University of Toronto report states. http://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/dental-anxiety-what-are-we-missing/?er=NA

Researchers also found that one province had a higher rate of dental phobia, or odontophobia, as it is also called.  This province is Ontario.  “In Ontario, where numerous fear and anxiety studies surrounding dental treatment have been conducted, the literature displays a higher value at roughly 10-17 percent,” notes dentists and study author Jonathan Campbell. http://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/dental-anxiety-what-are-we-missing/?er=NA

Over the last twenty years, dentists and oral health professionals have worked to alleviate the fear of patients, while also providing less invasive treatments. From offering massages to having therapy dogs onsite, there are a variety of anxiety-reducing methods that can be employed to calm patients and provide oral care. http://www.metronews.ca/news/vancouver/2015/03/26/therapy-dogs-take-bite-out-of-dentist-fear-at-victoria-clinic.html

“For extreme cases or patients with uncontrollable fear we often offer sedation or anesthesia,” says Dr. Peter Sbaraglia, an Ontario-based dental professional. “The sedation can make the treatment less scary for patients and create an easier environment for the dentist to work.” https://about.me/petersbaraglia

Dr. Peter Sbaraglia also pointed out that dental phobics are often in a precarious position because they fear dental appointments, thus putting them off until a minor problem has ballooned into a more severe issue. This results in the patient having to undergo more invasive treatments, which in turn can fuel their dental phobia. https://ca.linkedin.com/in/petersbaraglia

“It can become a vicious circle,” adds Dr. Sbaraglia.

While experts agree there are a variety of causes for dental phobias, including fear of pain, loss of personal space, fear of needles and anxiety of the unknown, there are steps that a patient can take to alleviate and minimize their anxiety response. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Some of the advice given includes booking appointments early in the morning to decrease the amount of time patients have to dwell and mull over the pending appointment. Practice relaxed breathing techniques the night before and morning of the appointment.  Confide in the dentist about the fear.  Ask the dentist to explain exactly what each procedure is and what to expect .  Also, having a distraction, like playing a favourite playlist or radio station on a low volume, can help minimize anxiety and stress.  http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults

Combatting dental fear is extremely important. Proper oral hygiene is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and is paramount to the overall health of the body. Dental techniques, tools and services have come a long way over the last decade and many dentists are devoted to ensuring patients have a great overall experience free of pain and fear. http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/5-reasons-why-oral-care-matters/#A2m5xKRoZB0bfsBR.97