Dental Anxiety

Why It Happens and How Counselling Can Help

For many people, a trip to the dentist is no big deal. But for others, even just booking an appointment can trigger fear, panic, or avoidance. This is called dental anxiety, and it’s more common than most people think.

Dental anxiety can prevent people from getting the care they need, which can lead to long-term pain, dental issues, and increased shame or embarrassment making it even harder to go.

At Orchard Valley Counselling Services in Kelowna, we help individuals understand the roots of dental anxiety and learn coping strategies so they can face appointments with greater calm and confidence.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety can come from a variety of life experiences such as:

  • Past painful or traumatic dental experiences
  • Fear of needles, pain, or loss of control
  • Feeling judged about your teeth or oral health
  • Sensory overwhelm sounds, smells, bright lights
  • Generalized anxiety, PTSD, or panic disorders

For children, fear can come from not knowing what to expect. For adults, shame or guilt about avoiding treatment can make the anxiety even worse.

Signs You May Have Dental Anxiety

You might experience:

  • Anxiety or panic before or during appointments
  • Trouble sleeping the night before
  • Racing heart, sweating, shaking, or nausea
  • Cancelling or avoiding appointments altogether
  • Feeling frozen, overwhelmed, or tearful in the chair

How Counselling Helps with Dental Anxiety

Counselling offers tools and support to make dental care feel manageable. A therapist can help you:

1. Understand Your Triggers

Identify exactly what part of the dental experience creates anxiety pain, sounds, judgment, loss of control, or something deeper.

2. Learn Nervous System Regulation (Polyvagal & CBT Techniques)

Grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and polyvagal-informed strategies help calm the body before and during appointments.

3. Reframe Thoughts and Fears

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps challenge fears like “I won’t be able to handle it” or “It’s going to be unbearable.”

4. Create a Personalized Dental Coping Plan

This may include:

  • Bringing headphones or a calming playlist
  • Agreeing on a hand signal to pause treatment
  • Scheduling shorter or earlier appointments
  • Practicing exposure in small, manageable steps

5. Heal Past Trauma

If anxiety comes from a past traumatic experience, counselling provides a safe space to process and release it.

You Deserve Care Without Fear

Dental health is part of your overall well-being and you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed of your fear.

At Orchard Valley Counselling in Kelowna, we support both children and adults experiencing dental anxiety with compassion and practical tools.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to face your fear alone.
With the right support, dental appointments can become tolerable — even calm.

👉 Book a counselling session today to start feeling more in control, prepared, and supported.