For those dealing with migraines or vestibular disorders, anxiety and the dentist often go hand in hand. Even though I’ve never had any major dental procedures, the thought of sitting in the chair still makes me feel clammy. For many people in similar situations, this combination can heighten discomfort, causing an increase in symptoms.

How Anxiety and the Dentist Make Visits Worse for People with Migraines and Vestibular Disorders

1. Disruption of Routine

Anxiety and the dentist are often linked for people with chronic conditions because appointments can disrupt daily routines, creating feelings of unpredictability and unease.

2. The Reclined Chair

The dentist’s chair reclines to an angle that can trigger dizziness and disorientation, especially for vestibular disorder patients. The combination of anxiety and the dentist’s setup can make symptoms worse.

3. Bright Dental Lights

Bright lights are often used during dental procedures in addition to the florescent overhead office lighting. For people with migraines, light sensitivity is common, which adds to the stress that comes from anxiety and the dentist experience.

4. Jaw Tension

Keeping your mouth open for extended periods causes jaw tension, which may lead to headaches or migraines. This jaw strain only amplifies the link between anxiety and dentist visits.

5. The Noise of Drills and Scaling

The noise and vibrations from dental drills can echo in your ears, aggravating symptoms, but just sound of a drill is reported to be one of the biggest stressors for migraine sufferers. 

 

Action Steps to Make Your Dental Visit More Manageable

To reduce the impact of anxiety at the dentist, there are several steps you can take to make the experience more comfortable for you.

1. Wear Light-Sensitive Glasses

Shield yourself from the bright lights with eyewear protection. Wearing tinted glasses helps reduce the stress caused by light exposure during the procedure, making anxiety and dentist experiences less intense. Thankfully many dentists now provide eyewear for this exact reason to make the visit more comfortable.

2. Bring Medications

Always bring your anxiety medication, migraine abortive, or any other helpful medication to your dental appointment. Taking anti-anxiety medication before your visit can help prevent the worst of the anxiety and dentist combination from escalating.

 3. Ask for Accommodations

It’s essential to communicate your needs to the dentist. Some accommodations to request include:
– Short breaks during the procedure to help with tension relief.
– Noise-canceling headphones to reduce exposure to the drilling sounds.
– Alternative, gentler scaling techniques.

Unsure what to ask for? You can print this helpful form from the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) to present to your dentist for guidance. This will help reduce the anxiety connected to anxiety and dentist appointments.

4. Practice Breathing Techniques

Anxiety and the dentist don’t have to create an endless cycle of stress. Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing techniques such as box breathing before and during the visit can ease tension and help control anxious feelings.

5. Bring Personal Comfort Items

Having familiar items can ease anxiety during your dental visit. Consider bringing a small stress ball, a favorite essential oil, or even a blanket to help ease the discomfort caused by anxiety and the dentist.

Managing anxiety and dentist appointments can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a chronic condition, migraines or vestibular disorders. However, by preparing with these simple strategies, you can reduce discomfort and feel more in control during your next dental visit.

If you want personalized advice on managing anxiety and chronic illness in your daily life, coaching sessions can help. Let’s work together to find solutions that empower you to manage anxiety and the dentist—and beyond! Learn More