Dental Tips for Survivors

Article

This information is made possible by a grant from the N.H. Charitable Fund. The research on which these Dental Tips was based is detailed in Hays, K. F., & Stanley, S. F. (1996). The impact of childhood sexual abuse on women’s dental experiences. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 5, 65–74.

Is it extremely difficult for you to call for a dental appointment for yourself?
Do you put off making dental appointments even though you’ve got dental problems?
Do you space out or become excessively fearful while in the dental chair?
Were you sexually abused as a child or adolescent?

By the age of 18, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually abused. Not only is the abuse traumatic at the time it occurs, it often has long-term disruptive consequences for the adult survivor. For example, medical procedures can be difficult to tolerate.
For many survivors, going to the dentist is traumatic. They avoid visiting the dentist, have trouble making or keeping appointments, are more likely to have stress-related dental problems, and have severe distress symptoms while at the dentist.
What is the connection between these symptoms of dental anxiety and childhood sexual abuse? There are a number of symbolic parallels: being alone with a person (often male) more powerful than oneself; being placed in a horizontal position; being touched; having objects put into one’s mouth; being unable to swallow; and anticipating or experiencing pain.
If you have some of these concerns, please know there are a number of ways to help alleviate your fears. Also, dentists are becoming more sensitive to dental anxiety triggered by early trauma.
What You Can Do for Yourself . . .

The following are strategies survivors of childhood sexual abuse have found helpful in reducing dental anxiety:
Anything that increases your sense of control:
Talk to your dentist or hygienist about your concerns.
Ask your dentist to explain all procedures.
Ask your dentist to forewarn you of pain.
Develop an agreed-upon signal indicating you want to stop.
Tell your dentist when you are afraid.
Mental Techniques That You Can Practice Ahead and While at the Dentist:
Slow, deep breathing
Imagining a safe place
Self talk: I can get through this. It will be over shortly. I am safe now. I am taking care of my health.
Other Things to Do:
Bring a friend.
Bring a soothing audiotape; i.e., music or relaxation.
Bring a comforting stuffed animal.
For women, wear pants instead of a skirt.
Talk with your health care specialist about the possibility of medication.
Give a copy of this information to your dentist.
What Your Dentist Can Do to Help . . .
Your dentist and hygienist might consider some of the following to help ease your anxieties:
Offer an initial appointment just to talk
Place the dental chair in an upright position
Keep the door open
Have the dental assistant present
Not touch the patient’s body
Offer audio tapes of relaxing music
Check in frequently with you so you can feel more in control of what the dentist is doing
Offer a body covering (i.e. an x-ray cover)
Explain procedures throughout the office visit 
Contact:
Kate F. Hays, Ph.D.
730 Yonge Street, Suite 226
Toronto, ON M4Y 2B7
Canada
(416) 961-0487
The_Performing_Edge@compuserve.com