Dental Anxiety And Fear Flashcards
What is dental anxiety?
Anxiety fear and phobia have long been associated with dentistry and repeatedly identified as important factors in the delay and avoidance of dental care.
Impact of dental phobia
Avoidance behaviour interferes with the persons daily life for at least six months.
3 components of dental phobia
Physiological
Behavioural
Cognitive
What is state anxiety?
The experience of unpleasant feelings when confronted with specific situations, demands or a particular object or event. Arises when the person makes a mental assessment of some type of threat. When the object or situation that is perceived as threatening goes away the person no longer experiences anxiety.
What is trait anxiety?
People experience more intense degrees of state anxiety to specific situations that most people do and experience anxiety towards a broader range of situations or objects. Personality characteristic rather than a temporary feeling.
What is generalised anxiety disorder?
Constantly worry about money, job, health etc. anxiety becomes so all-embracing that it takes over their lives eventually leading to an illness known as GAD.
Symptoms of GAD
Chronic anxiety Tightness in muscles Headaches Pain in back of neck Shortness of breath Racing heart Abnormal tiredness
What is panic disorder
Result of increase level of anxiety
Changes in the brain
Feeling of terror that strikes suddenly and repeatedly with no warning
What can happen during a panic disorder
Shortness of breath Trembling, shaking Sweating or chills Dizziness, faintness Fear of death Fear of going mad Depersonalisation Chest discomfort
What is the MDAS?
Modified dental anxiety scale
Prevalence of dental anxiety
51% 5-9 MDAS score = low/no anxiety
36% 10-18 = moderate anxiety
12% = 19 or more = severe anxiety
Age and sex in dental anxiety
Men are less dentally anxious than women
Younger gen have more dental anxiety, as well as 85+
Causes of dental anxiety
Traumatic experience Vicarious experience Loss of control Fear of pain Gagging, choking, panic attack, fainting Preparedness The behaviour of the dentist
How can a dentist help reduce a patients anxiety?
Have good communication with them
Give moral support throughout
Give them a sign to tell the dentist to stop (gives them back control)
