Does Going to the Dentist Make You Nervous? Try THIS.
by Jim Donovan, M.Ed.
Dear Derek,
If there’s one thing people despise, it’s going to the dentist…
In fact, according to a recent study, approximately 75 percent of Americans experience some level of fear or anxiety before or during a trip to the dentist.
And of those, about five to 10 percent are so afraid to go to the dentist that it’s considered an actual phobia (dentophobia).
When people put off going to the dentist, it can obviously result in serious issues like cavities, abscesses, tooth decay, infections, gum disease, and tooth loss. Neglecting your dental health can also increase your risk of oral cancer and periodontal disease.
Not only that, but over the past decade, researchers have found connections between poor oral health and serious illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
According to Colgate’s website, the most cited reasons for this dental anxiety include:
Embarrassment Feelings of helplessness or loss of control Negative past experiences Pain
Fortunately, researchers are discovering that the powerful effects of sound are helping patients to ease the extreme anxiety associated with dental visits.
Sound helps lessen dental anxiety
In the 2016 study, Italian researchers at the University of Florence recruited 100 patients in need of a root canal. The patients were split into two groups. One group listened to relaxing music before and during their root canal procedure. The other group did not listen to music.
Before, during, and after the root canal, the researchers measured each patient’s diastolic and systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
They found that in the music listening group, the patients’ blood pressure was significantly lower than the group without the music. Remarkably, 61 percent of the study participants reported mild or no anxiety.
In a 2011 study, a research team studied over 200 patients scheduled for dental procedures. They found that the patients who listened to music of their choice, upon entering the office up until the end of the procedure, experienced significant reductions in anxiety. Patients reported that this technique helped distract them from the anxiety-inducing sounds associated with the dental work.
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So if you have a dental appointment coming up, let music help make things a little easier for you.
I recently found myself in the dentist’s chair and decided to put this research to the test.
Here are a few helpful tips that worked for me:
Make a plan with your dentist prior to the procedure. Ask them if it’d be okay to wear headphones to listen to music during the procedure. (Depending on the procedure, your dentist may need to talk to you and might prefer that you not wear headphones. If that’s the case, ask if you can play music of your choice via a wireless speaker or radio.) Ask how long the procedure will last. This will give you an idea of how long to make your playlist. (To create a playlist, you can use music streaming apps like Spotify, Google Play, or Apple Music.) It’s a good idea to add 30 to 60 extra minutes of music to your playlist in case you’d like to listen to music in the waiting room. I recommend either adding songs you’re very familiar with to keep you distracted, or calm-inducing music. On the day of the procedure, make sure your device is fully charged. Start listening to your playlist right after you check in at the front desk. During the procedure, breathe slowly through your nose. Feel free to close your eyes. Focus on the music. Concentrate on the lyrics, the rhythm, or specific instruments.
Making dental appointments more comfortable for yourself can be as easy as pressing play. Of course, this trick can be used for any type of appointment or procedure—or really any anxiety inducing situation.
The main takeaway for today is that music can work for you in ways you wouldn’t expect—especially in your times of need.
I challenge you to experiment with listening to different types of music (slow, upbeat, instrumental). Pay attention to the physical and mental effects the music provides.
You can use music as a tool for all types of situations. Use to help intensify workouts, induce sleep, energize you, or calm you down.
I want to hear about the ways music has proven to be a life-changing force for you. Feel free to send me a message on the Sound Health Facebook page, or on the new Sound Health Instagram page.
Di Nasso L, Nizzardo A, Pace R, Pierleoni F, Pagavino G, Giuliani V. (2016). Influences of 432 Hz Music on the Perception of Anxiety during Endodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Endod. Sep;42(9):1338-43. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2016.05.015. Epub 2016 Jul 16. Geddes, L. (2015). Why neglecting your teeth could be seriously bad for your health. The Guardian. Retrieved from: theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/19/why-neglecting-teeth-seriously-bad-health Kim, YK, Kim, SM, Myoung, H. (2011). Musical intervention reduces patients' anxiety in surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. Apr;69(4):1036-45. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2010.02.045. Epub 2010 Aug 12. Lai HL, Hwang MJ, Chen CJ, Chang KF, Peng TC, Chang FM. (2008). Randomized controlled trial of music on state anxiety and physiological indices in patients undergoing root canal treatment. J Clin Nurs. Oct;17(19):2654-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02350.x. Overcoming Dentophobia, a Fear of the Dentist. GentleDental.com. Retrieved from: gentledental-mi.com/overcoming-dentophobia-a-fear-of-the-dentist/ What is dental anxiety and phobia? (2013). Colgate.com. Retrieved from: colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/what-is-dental-anxiety-and-phobia