Dentist appointments may not be the most pleasant experiences for many of us. Dental anxiety is common for many people, resulting in them skipping most dentist appointments. As oral health is an essential part of everyone’s health, you should brace yourself and visit the dentist. Skipping dental visits may lead to gum disease, bad breath, cavities, plaque and tartar, tooth loss, discolored teeth, and infected teeth.
If you are experiencing dental anxiety, below are some tips to help you deal with the matter.
Find a Good Dentist
Different dentists give different experiences. Check local listings and do your research to get recommendations and reviews of various dental practices in your area. Specifically, focus your search on dental practices dealing with dental anxiety.
Go to the Dentist With Someone
Visiting with someone else, like a friend or family member, or even a colleague, will make you less anxious. Bring a person who is not afraid of dentists and can talk to you while being examined to keep you relaxed.
Tell the Dentist About Your Concerns
Let your dentist know about your fears so that they know how to treat you well. Look for a dentist who listens to patients and understands them. Talk with the dentist first to tell them your fears so that they help you accordingly.
Distract Yourself
Tools used by dentists are sometimes noisy due to the drilling and suctioning of tubes. This might scare you and make you want to leave the room. To distract yourself, you can wear earbuds and listen to music. Some facilities have TVs mounted on the ceiling to distract patients during the procedures.
Ask About Sedation
Sedation keeps you in a semi-awake state, therefore, feeling less pain during procedures. Find an IV sedation dentist if the pain is a significant factor contributing to your dental anxiety. Dentists who offer sedation are often aware of the anxiety that comes with going to the dentist. You can be confident that your visit to the dentist will be less stressful if you decide to use IV sedation.
Take a Deep Breath
Taking a deep breath always calms people down. Breathe deeply when in the dentist’s room whenever you need it. This will help you to keep relaxed during the procedures.
Avoid Sugar and Caffeine When About to See a Dentist
Sugar and caffeine make someone more nervous. Avoid consuming caffeine and sugar when you’re about to see a dentist because it will increase your dental anxiety. Instead, opt for sugar and caffeine-free foods.
Dental anxiety cannot be overcome by one trip to your dentist. It would be best to keep up showing in all your appointments to overcome it completely. Oral health is necessary for everyone, so don’t make excuses for missing your dentist appointments.
