Going to your dentist appointment may make you nervous, but if you find yourself missing appointments because you’re scared, you may have dental anxiety.
Dental anxiety could make it hard to get proper dental care, which might lead to oral health issues in the future. On the upside, there may be a few ways to deal with this anxiety to make dentist appointments manageable. Whether you’re going for a routine checkup or considering bigger procedures that would require you to take out dental loans, it’s important to handle your anxiety.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
For some people, dental anxiety causes mild discomfort, but for others, the symptoms can be much more severe. Common signs of dental anxiety include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Racing heart
- A sense of impending danger
- Unexplained sweating
- Shaking or tremors
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Here are six tips that may help you overcome dental anxiety:
- Find a dentist you trust
One of the first steps for reducing dental anxiety is finding a dentist you feel comfortable with. Consider looking for a dentist who is kind, patient and understanding. That could make a huge difference in how you feel about going to your appointments.
There are a few ways you may be able to find the right dentist for you:
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family
- Read online reviews
Once you find an office that looks like it fits your needs, you’ll most likely find that the environment is comfortable, and the staff is friendly.
- Talk to your dentist
Once you’ve found a dentist you trust, it’s important to speak with them about your fears. They might explain procedures in more detail or go at a slower pace. Speaking openly about your concerns might just allow the dental team to provide the best care possible while easing your mind.
- Be open about your fears and concerns
- Ask your dentist to explain the procedures step by step
- Explore sedation if your anxiety is severe
- Get to your appointment early
Rushing to an appointment could make anxiety worse, so it’s a good idea to arrive early.
This gives you time to settle in and relax before your appointment begins. Use this extra time to calm your nerves, practice deep breathing, or listen to soothing music. The more relaxed you feel when you walk into the office, the better your appointment could go.
Arriving early may help you:
- Avoid rushing
- Use the extra time to practice deep breathing
- Listen to calming music or meditate before your appointment
- Ask questions
If you feel nervous about a procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist questions. By asking questions, you may better understand the steps involved in your treatment and feel more in control.
Your dentist could walk you through each stage of the process, explaining what they’re doing and why. This might help you feel more prepared and reduce the fear of the unknown.
- Ask about each step of your procedure
- Ask for more information if you’re unsure about something
- Don’t be afraid to ask your provider to repeat the answer
- Come with a list of prepared questions if it helps
- Try meditating
Meditation is a simple yet effective way to calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Before your dental appointment, try practicing a few minutes of meditation.
Focus on breathing, clear your mind, and let go of negative thoughts. You can also use meditation techniques in the waiting room or even during the procedure if you start to feel anxious.
While seated in the waiting room you could shut your eyes or focus on an object and relax. Then, focus on different parts of your body and release any tightness, relaxing your entire body
- Bring a friend or family member
If you’re feeling especially anxious about your dental appointment, consider bringing a friend or family member. Having someone you trust by your side may provide comfort and support.
Manage your dental anxiety
By taking small steps to manage your dental anxiety, you can make visiting the dentist a more positive experience. Following these tips could help you overcome your fear but also help you get the dental care you need to maintain your overall health.
Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [daysofadomesticdad.com/] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.
