7 Ways to Calm Dental Anxiety and Fear of the Dentist
Having a fear of the dentist due to a phobia or a past traumatic experience is more common than you might think. In fact, anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist prevent many people from accessing the dental care they need to stay healthy.
If you avoid the dentist due to the stress it causes you, consider the following tips for calming your fears so you can keep your teeth, gums, and body in good shape.
7 Ways to Calm Dental Anxiety
1. Talk to Us
Communication can assuage your fears. Talk with Dr. Mott and your dental hygienist about your concerns with visiting the dentist. We’ll take extra care to explain everything to you, so you’ll know what to expect. Plus, we can provide you with additional options for reducing stress.
2. Plan Ahead
Schedule your appointment for a day when you won’t be busy or have other factors contributing to your anxiety level. This way you’ll be able to relax and make sure you’re fully prepared for your appointment.
3. Avoid Caffeine and Sugar
Don’t drink caffeine or eat sugary foods on the day of your appointment, as they can stimulate your nervous system and exacerbate anxiety.
4. Practice Meditation
Breathing exercises and other meditative practices can help calm you before and during your appointment.
5. Bring Headphones and Music
Many patients find that listening to music or a podcast during their appointments helps them relax.
6. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits help prevent the need for more lengthy or invasive care by preventing serious oral health issues. Additionally, visiting us regularly will help you become familiar with the dental office and its sights, sounds, and smells.
7. Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an option for patients with dental anxiety. A variety of levels of sedation are available including light sedation with nitrous oxide, moderate sedation with oral medication, and complete sedation with general anesthesia.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry in Kenmore
At Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry, we want all of our patients to access the dental care they need without anxiety or fear. We strive to create a relaxing environment in our dental clinic and offer a variety of sedation dentistry services.
If you’re concerned about being due for a dental checkup or having an upcoming appointment for a more invasive or lengthy procedure, we welcome you to contact our office to talk with Dr. Mott about how we can help you calm your anxiety with sedation dentistry.
