In 2020, 37% of adults skipped their dental appointments. While some may have forgotten, others have dentophobia, or the fear of going to the dentist.
If you’re someone who dreads going to your next dental visit, you may be hesitant to schedule. However, taking care of your oral health is crucial to looking and feeling your best.
If you have dental anxiety, finding ways to manage your stress before and during your next appointment is crucial to helping you feel your best.
1. Find the Right Dentist
Before you can go to your appointment, you’ll want to find the best dentist for anxiety! They should be someone who is established, competent, and kind. After all, a dentist who makes you feel comfortable can help quell your worries.
Reading online reviews of different practices can provide insight into the demeanor of the dentist and office staff. Other patients will recount what they liked or disliked about the dentist, helping you feel confident in your choice.
2. Listen to Music
If possible, listen to music during your appointment.
For many, the sound of drills and machines can cause anxiety, leaving your mind racing about what is going on. However, distracting yourself by listening to your favorite songs can help keep your mind away from overthinking.
You can also choose to listen to podcasts or audiobooks, which forces you to focus on the story or conversation instead.
3. Focus On Breathing
Often, when anxious, many will begin to breathe rapidly due to the increase in adrenaline. This can further exacerbate anxiety and even lead to feeling dizzy and sick as you consume more oxygen than necessary.
When you’re body is stressed, your heart begins to race as your body enters fight-or-flight mode. However, regulating your breathing can help your body relax, as it can signal your brain that you’re not in danger.
As you sit in the chair, focusing on taking slow, deep breaths through your nose and breathing out from your mouth can help ease dental anxiety.
4. Talk to Your Dentist
Finally, one of the best dentist anxiety tips is to voice concerns to your dentist.
Your dentist may offer types of dental sedation to help ease your troubles during procedures. You can click for sedation dentistry information to learn more about this choice.
Similarly, your dentist may opt to walk you through the steps they take during visits, as this can help keep you informed.
Make Your Next Dental Visit Stress-Free
Whether you’re looking for a dentist in Washington state or Washington D.C. keeping these tips in mind can help you stay calm before and during your next dental visit.
Though it can be scary, prioritizing your oral health can keep your teeth strong and healthy, boosting your confidence.
If these tips have you ready to face your fears during your next dental appointment, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you can find more great health and wellness tips and tricks.