Many dentists are very sympathetic to dental anxiety and will work with you to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Open communication helps the dentist understand what is causing fear so they can adjust their approach.
It’s important to keep up with regular dental visits, as this allows for early detection of issues that could become more serious without treatment. Below are a few tips for overcoming dental anxiety that can help you have a stress free appointment.
1. Communicate Openly With Your Dentist
Dental anxiety is more common than many people realise. Whether you feel nervous about the sounds of the dental equipment or fear the embarrassment of the dentist getting close to your mouth, it’s important that you communicate your concerns with your dentist and ask if they can help.
It can be difficult to bring up the topic of anxiety, but it’s crucial that you do so. If you tell your dentist about your fears, they will be better able to assist with them during appointments and may suggest techniques that can make your visit more comfortable. For example, they may allow you to listen to music or audiobooks to distract your mind during treatment. This can significantly reduce your stress levels. You could also consider bringing a friend or joining an online support group for dental anxiety to talk about your concerns with others who have the same issues.
2. Explore Distractions
Patients who are afraid of going to the dentist often avoid getting the care they need, which can lead to serious oral health problems and more pain down the road. Taking control of dental anxiety by communicating openly, exploring distractions, bringing a supportive companion, practicing relaxation techniques, and trusting in their dentist can help patients prioritize their oral health and smiles.
Many people find that listening to music or audiobooks on their smartphones or tablets helps them calm down and focus on something else. Some dental offices offer televisions and on-demand movies to help distract patients, as well. Noise-canceling headphones can also reduce the sounds of drills and suction tubes that may unnerve patients. Occupying one’s hands by squeezing a stress ball or playing with a fidget spinner can also help relieve anxiety during treatments.
3. Bring a Supportive Companion
Anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to keep you from receiving the dental care that you need. Try these dental anxiety tips for a stress free visit: communicate openly, explore distractions, and bring a supportive companion.
Fears about the dentist often stem from painful or unpleasant experiences in the past. However, it’s important to remember that those experiences aren’t necessarily indicative of future visits. In addition, modern technology and tools make trips to the dentist much less intimidating than they were in the past.
It’s possible for both you and your friend to arrive at the dentist at different times. In this case, one car can leave the parking lot before the other so that your companion can drive you home when you’re finished with your appointment.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and body. This can be done before a visit, during a break from treatment or even while in the chair. Muscle relaxation can also be used to ease anxiety. Some patients find comfort in bringing distractions to the office, such as headphones and music or a stress ball that can be squeezed with the hands. Others find relief by bringing a trusted friend or family member for moral support.
If your anxiety is too high to use any of these coping mechanisms, ask your dentist about conscious sedation options. This is the most effective way to manage dental fear and ensure your oral health and well-being.
5. Trust Your Dentist
Dentists are trained to understand and help patients overcome anxiety, and many of them have experienced it themselves. Keeping communication open between you and your dentist can make all the difference when it comes to feeling safe and comfortable in their chair.
Whether it’s an irrational fear of being touched by a stranger, the sound of a drill, or a past bad experience, dental anxiety can be crippling for many people. Fortunately, there are several strategies for overcoming it that can lead to a stress free and pain-free dental appointment.
Practicing relaxation techniques, exploring distractions, or even bringing a friend along to the appointment can make all the difference when it comes to dental anxiety. By following these simple tips, you can overcome your anxiety and keep up with regular dental appointments without feeling a thing.
