Do you ever feel nervous when it’s time to go to the dentist? Does thinking of the dentist’s chair make you scared? If so, you might have dental anxiety, a disorder causing people to fear the dentist that about 40 million Americans suffer from. Here, we’ll share some great tips on how to relax your fears and cope with dental anxiety.
Talk to Your Dentist
It may seem like the most obvious advice, but talking to your dentist about your concerns could help make you feel much calmer about your experience. We understand that many people suffer from dental anxiety and are here to help make your treatment and visit as painless as possible.
Ask Questions
Simply talking your fears through and letting us discuss what the appointment will be like can help put you at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because the more informed you are, the less anxious you will be.
Find a Good Distraction
Whether it’s imagining yourself laying on the beach in a tropical location or listening to your favorite new album, distracting yourself from the appointment can really help keep your dental anxiety at bay. There’s also reading, watching TV, and playing games that can keep you distracted from any feelings of fear associated with a dental appointment.
Agree on a Signal
If your dental anxiety causes you to fear a dental procedure, talk to us beforehand so we can decide on a signal that you can give in case you are feeling scared or uncomfortable. This will help you feel more in control of the situation as we can stop anytime you need.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
One of the best ways to cope with dental anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques to put your mind at ease. A popular breathing technique that’s used to calm nerves is to count your breaths while you inhale and exhale slowly. You can also do a body scan by tightening and then relaxing your muscles from your toes to your head. These techniques and any others can relieve tension and make you calmer.
If you have trouble with coping with dental anxiety or want to discuss your anxiety with us before an appointment, contact us today so we can help put you at ease.
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