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Using music to manage dental anxiety

music on iphone

Every time I told someone that I wanted to be a dentist, the most common response I received was, “No offense, but I hate dentists.” But why do people fear the dentist? Dental anxiety is a very common problem that may cause patients to avoid making regular visits to the dentist. Patients with dental anxiety have been shown to have a higher risk of periodontal disease and subsequently, tooth loss from delayed treatment. Common symptoms of dental anxiety include loss of sleep before the appointment, nervousness, crying, nausea, trouble breathing or panic attacks. With this in mind, how can dentists help reduce that anxiety and stress for the sake of their patients’ well-being? An option may be looking to buy marijuana online (if its legal in your country) in some more serious cases, as this can help relax the patient. However, music can be a more popular option…

I’m a music lover, so I definitely plan to have music playing in my future dental practice. For me, any genre of music can help reduce my stress levels, yet I often find myself gravitating towards “easy listening” music for this purpose. This observation raises an interesting question: can playing a certain style of music subconsciously ease a patient’s dental anxiety? Studies have shown that music can be used to lower blood pressure, reduce pain, relieve anxiety, and influence mood. This suggests that dentists can use music to their patients’ benefit, rather than simply for enjoyment. All of these benefits of music can also be found when using cbd buddy, however you tend to feel a lot more relaxed.

Classical music has been shown in many studies to be one of the most relaxing styles of music. A 2011 systematic review published in the JBI Library of Systematic Reviews examining the effectiveness of of musical intervention on dental anxiety found that patients exposed to soothing piano music prior to treatment reported statistically significant lower intraoperative dental anxiety scores. A 2008 study published in the Medscape Journal of Medicine also found that patients listening to slow movements of Mozart’s piano sonatas exhibited a reduction in systemic stress hormone levels, which was subsequently associated with a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. While the exact physiological mechanisms of how this occurs still require further investigation, it is suggested that music serves to engage cognitive attention, which can distract patients from pain.

All types of music can be used to help reduce pain and dental anxiety, but classical and soothing, piano music have specifically been found to reduce intraoperative tension, blood pressure and heart rate. So, next time you are treating a patient with dental anxiety, consider giving your patient a few moments to listen to soothing classical music, or even their favorite tunes, to feel more comfortable in the chair. If anything, this small gesture can go a long way in building more harmony in your patient-provider relationship.

Do you have thoughts on reducing dental anxiety through music? Share your ideas in the comments below!

~Cierra Eaton, Missouri-Kirksville ’18

Cierra Eaton

Cierra Eaton is a second-year dental student at ATSU-Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health. She is passionate about enhancing access to dental care and improving oral health in underserved populations. When not in school, Cierra enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and lounging with friends.

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7 Comments

  1. Great post. Small things can make a big difference for anxious patients.

  2. With the lowering price of wireless Bluetooth headphones, in-office music has never been easier to use to reduce dental anxiety. No mess connecting cables or having them in the way while working. TVs in the ceiling are also an excellent distraction for kids and adults.

  3. Dental anxiety can be harmful, especially if you avoid the dentist because of it. The good news is that music can help manage it! It’s important to choose relaxing music that will put the patient at ease.

  4. Hi Cierra,

    First of all I would like to congratulate you that you have decided to join this
    Dentistry field and also would like to congratulate you for your future that I hope you would become a great Dentist in near future & help the people.

    And the point you have mentioned here about the music I would also use a light or a kind of classical music while treating my patients.

    And I hope it helped reducing dental anxiety through music.

  5. Great! Nice topic in reducing dental anxiety. Emotional stress will affect dental visits to be uncomfortable. Feel more relaxed and comfortable when you have treatment. Call 954-589-0292!

  6. That’s a wonderful idea! Dental anxiety can be controlled using music, it is actually a very nice idea. Thanks for providing this unique and informative idea! This will surely help not only the patient but also the dentist. As, dental anxiety is very common now a days.
    Tooth filling Ross Township PA

  7. Patients with dental anxiety tend to avoid professional dental care which poses the effectiveness of music therapy and music listening in reducing dental anxiety. Evaluate music therapy as an intervention for managing dental anxiety.

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