How Art Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Dental Care

Relieve Stress and Anxiety With Art Therapy

Art has been used as a form of therapy for centuries, but its therapeutic benefits have only recently been recognized in modern medicine. In particular, the use of art in healthcare settings has been found to have a positive impact on stress and pain reduction. This is especially relevant in dental care, where anxiety and pain are common concerns among patients, the use of visual art, such as paintings or pictures, has been found to be particularly effective in distracting patients from their discomfort.

Stress and pain are common experiences in healthcare, especially in dental care. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 22% of people in the United States report feeling anxious or afraid when visiting the dentist, while up to 85% of patients experience some degree of pain during dental procedures. These experiences can negatively affect a patient’s overall health and wellbeing, as well as their willingness to seek necessary dental care.

Art therapy has been found to be an effective intervention for reducing stress and pain in healthcare settings. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that art therapy reduced pain and anxiety in patients with chronic pain, and improved their overall quality of life. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that art therapy reduced stress and anxiety in elderly patients with chronic illnesses. In dental care, art therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and pain during dental procedures. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that patients who listened to music during dental procedures reported less anxiety and less pain than those who did not listen to music. Another study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found that patients who viewed art during dental procedures reported less pain and anxiety than those who did not view art.

Art therapy can take many forms, including visual arts, music, dance, and writing. In dental care, visual arts are the most commonly used form of art therapy. Art can be displayed on the walls of the dental office, or patients can be given the opportunity to create their own art during dental procedures. The act of creating art has been found to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and can distract patients from their pain and anxiety.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, art therapy is a low-cost and non-invasive intervention that can be easily implemented in healthcare settings. It requires minimal training for healthcare professionals and can be adapted to meet the needs of individual patients.

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References:

1/ American Dental Association. (n.d.). Patient Anxiety and Fear of Pain. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Anxiety_Fear_Pain.pdf

2/ Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74-80.

3/ Kwekkeboom, K. L., & Gretarsdottir, E. (2014). Systematic Review of Relaxation Interventions for Pain. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 46(3), 214-223.

4/ Navazesh, M., & Rich, S. K. (2011). Music in the Dental Office: A Review of the Literature and Practical Considerations. Journal of the American Dental Association, 142