Did you know that dental anxiety affects 36% of the US population? A further 12% suffer from extreme dental fear.
This fear of the dentist can lead to insufficient dental attendance, and this can have serious repercussions. Poor oral health can affect a person’s quality of life.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to overcome your fear of the dentist. Continue reading for five great tips.
1. Take Care of Your Oral Health
Your levels of anxiety will be reduced if you maintain good oral hygiene. It’s also the best way to ensure your visits to the dentist will be short and sweet.
Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and floss every night to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
2. Recognize Your Fears
To overcome your fear of going to the dentist, you must first acknowledge and understand why you feel this way. The most common reasons concern fear of pain, a fear of the unknown, shame over dental hygiene, or a bad experience from the past.
Writing your fears onto paper can take a weight off your shoulders. And sharing it with your dentist will allow them to address and allay your fears.
3. Find the Right Dentist
Choosing the right dentist can make a world of difference.
You’re looking for a dental center where you feel relaxed and comfortable. Ideally, the dentist takes a little time to listen and understand your fears without judgment.
Ask family and friends for their recommendations and look for a dentist who may specialize in making patients feel at ease. Carry out a thorough search for a dentist the can address your oral problems, as well as your anxiety.
4. Try Different Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
There are undeniable mental health benefits to various breathing and movement exercises. Many people use Eastern practices like meditation or yoga to calm their minds in the hours before a dentist appointment.
Breathing exercises can help you relax your muscles and slow your heartbeat. You can concentrate on your in-breath and out-breath during any dental procedure, such as teeth cleaning or tooth extraction. Focusing your mind can keep negative thoughts at bay.
5. Sedation Dentistry
If none of those techniques work, sedation dentistry may be the route for you. The degree of sedation can vary depending on the procedure and your level of fear.
In a much calmer state of mind, you will be able to safely and comfortably face your fear. And the dentist will be able to complete their work with greater speed and efficiency without you squirming in your seat.
Crack Your Fear of the Dentist For Good
Overcoming a fear of the dentist may not happen overnight. But your experience in the dentist’s chair will be much more peaceful by taking our advice on board.
Did you find this article helpful? Don’t be shy to stay a while, because we’ve got lots more great blogs on our site.