Dealing With Dental Anxiety

Posted on: 28 May 2019

It's safe to say that those who get nervous about trips to the dentist are far from alone. Anxiety about the dentist may be common but some may dread the dentist so much that a domino effect seems to occur. If you put off going to the dentist long enough, the anxiety only worsens with fears of extensive procedures, discomfort, and pain occupying your thoughts. Conversely, those who make it a point to show up for regular dental appointments tend to need less work done and become more and more comfortable with visits. To help you get your dental health out of the endless cycle of fear and anxiety, read on for some tips.

Own Your Anxiety

Misery loves company and feeling alone about having dental visits is unnecessary and crippling. Once you share, the burden is immediately lessened. Online dental anxiety support groups offer help from those who have been in your shoes and now dispense support and tips for others. Just knowing that you are not alone can help and you might soon feel strong and supported enough to make an appointment for a consultation.

Let the Dentist Assure You

Continue the sharing by letting the staff at the dental office know about your feelings. Make an appointment to meet with the dentist and hygienist just to talk. Find out what can be done to help alleviate discomfort during treatment and gather information about procedures you might need. Dentists and support staff deal with fearful patients all the time and many offices have special services and methods for addressing your needs. For example, some dentists suggest using a gesture that signals your need for a break, such as a raised finger.

Learn Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing exercises are known to promote feelings of calm for practitioners. It's not necessary to actually meditate to find calm, although doing so couldn't hurt and is surprisingly effective and beneficial. Smartphone apps like Calm and others are free to try and lead those new to meditation on guided exercises, deep breathing, and body scans. Whenever you bring your focus on your breathing and not your fearful thoughts, you can achieve calm. Don't worry about being perfect, it's only natural for minds to wander – just gently bring your thoughts back to the breathing each time it strays.

Distractions are Welcome

Training your mind to focus – or not focus – on certain activities can be challenging, but many people already have several ways to distract themselves in their daily lives. Television, video games, and movies are common in some dental practices and help keep your mind off the procedure. If you have headphones, you can successfully block out unpleasant noises while listening to music or an audiobook. Finally, many people find holding an object to squeeze and manipulate alleviates stress.

To learn more about dealing with dental anxiety, speak to your dentist.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.