Fear of the dentist is common, according to WebMD. They note that between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid the dentist due to the fear and anxiety associated with it. Additionally, Better Health Channel reports that dental phobia could leave you stressed and anxious when sitting in the waiting room. Symptoms of dental anxiety include sweating, racing heart, low blood pressure, tense muscles, and feelings of panic. These overwhelming triggers can cause a stress headache during and after your dental appointment.
A stress or tension headache doesn’t have one specific cause but is typically related to the muscle contractions in the head and neck, states Johns Hopkins Medicine. These headaches are usually felt on both sides of the head and include a dull ache. You might also feel pain in your neck and shoulders. The onset of a tension headache is slow, and the pain is typically mild.
To avoid the headache, it’s essential to try to calm your anxiety and fears. This might require taking medication before your visit. It can also be helpful to try deep breathing and calming techniques when waiting for your appointment. A 2022 study in Acta Biomedica found that music can help with cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature if you listen to it while in the dentist’s chair.