Dental Fears And Anxiety
A young patient is scared of the dentist and hugs the dental assistant
DO YOU SPEND sleepless nights thinking about an upcoming dental visit? We understand that for some, even the thought of scheduling a dental appointment can be overwhelming.
Dental anxiety may cause you to neglect your oral health, which can produce negative long-term effects. However, there are tips you can follow that may help you overcome some of your dental fears. As always, our friendly team can help answer any further questions you may have.
Adopt Relaxation Techniques
Take A Deep Breath. You can learn to use a simple breathing technique to relax. Begin by closing your eyes and taking a long, slow breath through your nose. Once your lungs feel full, hold your breath to a count of three. Exhale slowly through your lips while relaxing your stomach, shoulders and face muscles. You can try this at home, in the reception area or even in the dentist's chair! Listen To MusicSome patients prefer to wear earphones during appointments. It may also be helpful to listen to some music prior to your appointment - once you're in the reception area, try to sit back and listen to a song that tends to calm you in stressful moments. Use A Stress Ball. A stress ball can serve as a distraction. Try using one before and during dental treatment and see how you feel! You may find that a combination of these techniques proves to be more effective than a technique on its own. Our staff at is considerate of patients' requests and needs.
Bring A Friend
Bringing a family member or a friend along to appointments can not only provide you with a friendly face to look to but can also distract you from the pressure you may feel before and during an appointment. Ask your dentist if your friend may accompany you to your procedure room - given the circumstances, this should not be a problem.
Speak To Your Dentist
A regular patient has a shadow of a superhero in a cape
It's very important for your dentist to be aware of any anxieties or fears you may be facing. Once your dentist is clear on these concerns, you can both establish an agreement that would allow you a comfortable pace and routine for any future treatment. Even if an appointment requires more time or multiple visits to complete, our staff is here to accommodate you and your needs. For those who continue to struggle with dental anxiety, there are other options available. Again, your dentist can discuss options with you!
Interested in booking an appointment but not sure who you want to see? Read our dentist profiles before scheduling an appointment here.
References:
Caltabiano, Marie L., et al. “Dental Anxiety in Patients Attending a Student Dental Clinic.” BMC Oral Health, vol. 18, no. 1, 20 Mar. 2018, bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com.White, Angela M, et al. “The Prevalence of Dental Anxiety in Dental Practice Settings.” American Dental Hygienists’ Association, vol. 91, no. 1, Feb. 2017, pp. 30–34. Journal of Dental Hygiene, jdh.adha.org....
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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.