The science of dentistry has evolved from pulling teeth without anesthesia in the ancient times to modern painless dentistry, in which painless anesthesia can be injected for smooth treatment. Due to the constant advancement of technology and upgraded knowledge, dental treatment has become rapid, unlike the past as well as minimally invasive. Especially in India, this science has become rapidly available to the most remote as well as rural areas in the last decade. Even though with so much advancement, a large section of individuals do not avail the necessary dental treatment due to fear and anxiety pertaining to dental treatment.

In a recent study in South India, nearly 51.8% of the participants were moderately to extremely anxious and 3% had a phobia for dental treatment. There are varying degrees of dental anxiety and phobia. At the extreme, a person with dental phobia may never see a dentist. Others may force themselves to go, but they may not sleep the night before. It's not uncommon for people to feel sick — or, in some cases, to actually get sick — while they're in the waiting room. Dental phobia, like other mental disorders, can be treated. Without treatment, dental phobia is likely to get worse over time. That's partly because emotional stress can make dental visits more uncomfortable than they need to be.

People who are unusually tense tend to have a lower pain threshold. This means they may feel pain at lower levels than other people. They may need extra anesthetic or other pain treatments. 

CAUSES OF DENTAL ANXIETY - 

1. LACK OF ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE- In most cases, the anxiety is due to lack of knowledge about the dental treatment/procedure. A lot of half baked knowledge comes from friends and relatives, who would narrate their experience as horrifying and painful . This results in transmission of anxiety. 

2. MYTHS- A lot of myths revolve around dental therapy such as damage to the eye after tooth removal or teeth becoming loose after scaling etc. result in anxiety and negligence towards oral care.  

3. Fear of pain- It is common to hear-  "I had a lot of pain during my Root canal treatment". Past painful experiences translate into fear and are transmitted to friends, relatives etc. 

4. Feelings of helplessness and loss of control — Many people develop phobias about situations — such as flying in an airplane — in which they feel they have no control. When they're in the dental chair, they have to stay still. They may feel they can't see what's going on or predict what's going to hurt. It's common for people to feel helpless and out of control, which may trigger anxiety.

5. Negative past experiences — Anyone who has had pain or discomfort during previous dental procedures is likely to be more anxious the next time around.

6. Fear transmission to children from parents- Fear of dental treatment can be transmitted to children while seeing their fearful parents or siblings in the dental office. 

HOW TO OVERCOME DENTAL ANXIETY?

Dental anxiety can be a cause for lack of dental treatment by an individual, resulting in poor oral health and ultimately poor systemic health. Dental anxiety can be reduced or overcomed by- 

1. Adequate knowledge- A thorough discussion about the type of treatment should be discussed with the dentist. All doubts about the procedure should be cleared to the patient's satisfaction. Various aids such as photographs or videos may be used to explain the procedure. 

2. Discussion with the dentist can clear all myths

3. Selecting a dental clinic which does not typically feel like a clinic. A large waiting area with music and a warmly greeting staff can reduce the anxiety. 

4. Light music during the procedure can significantly reduce anxiety. 

5. Meditation- simple deep breathing during the dental procedure.  

6. Taking minor breaks or rest during the procedures, by raising one hand. 

7. Instilling the habit of regularly visiting the dentist in children to prevent the development of phobia or fear. Also, avoidance of displaying anxiety in front of children.  

Most importantly, everyone must remember, 

Dentist is the one "who makes the world a better place, one smile at a time".