Swedish Study Urges Patients to Laugh Their Way to the Dentist
Researchers in Sweden have found that laughter is the best medicine for people who suffer from dental phobia.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg carried out a survey to determine the most common coping mechanisms used by people who suffer from dental anxiety. The five most popular were positive thinking, taking a humorous approach to the situation, praying, distraction and distancing yourself from the scenario.
Dental anxiety is extremely common and around half of people experience anxiety when faced with a trip to the dentist and 5% have severe dental fear or dental phobia. There are various causes of dental anxiety, ranging from negative experiences in the past and a negative perception of dentists, to a fear of needles and injections and concern about having metal instruments in your mouth.
Jenny Benson, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg, said that the results of the study indicate that patients with an optimistic view and a sense of humour are better equipped to deal with the stress of visiting the dentist.
In a second study, participants revealed that having a sense of humour was a major factor in coping with the situation and patients felt that if they joked with the dental staff and remained upbeat throughout they were more likely to get through the appointment without any stress or worry.
Jenny Benson said that “psychological barriers can be broken down by humour.”
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