Dental anxiety can have a substantial impact on your life, especially when it comes to the health of your teeth. Implementing tips for overcoming dental anxiety often allow individuals to obtain the dental services that they need to improve the health of their smile. When you avoid the dentist due to dental anxiety, it is likely that oral health problems will simply become worse, which can lead to even more anxiety.

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is far more common than many people realize. It impacts the lives of many people across the country. This occurs when an individual experiences a substantial amount of anxiety in reaction to dental visits. This tends to cause them to refrain from going to the dentist and obtaining the regular dental cleanings that are necessary to keep their teeth in great condition.

Identify the Cause

There are many benefits to identifying the underlying cause of your dental anxiety. When you are uncertain of the cause of your dental anxiety, it can be difficult to implement the techniques to overcome your fear. Some people have dental anxiety due to incredibly painful and negative past experiences at the dentist. Others have anxiety due to not understanding how dental procedures work. When you identify the cause, you will be more effective at handling your dental anxiety.

Bring Emotional Support

Bringing a companion to your dental visit often helps you to handle your dental anxiety. Many tasks seem to feel much easier when you have someone to help you through it. It is important to ensure that your companion doesn’t have dental anxiety, because this might just amplify your own anxiety.  

Talk to your Dentist

A dentist is well-versed in dealing with patients that experience dental anxiety. Because this form of anxiety is incredibly common, they will certainly have dealt with anxious patients before. They will have the experience necessary to guide you through the process of overcoming dental anxiety. If you don’t talk with them about your anxiety, they won’t have the information necessary to help you throughout the process.

Do Some Research

When you understand how each step of the process works, you are likely to feel more comfortable with it. Doing your research can help you to understand each step, as well as ensure that you know what to expect throughout the process. Your dentist is a valuable resource and will be happy to explain each step of the process to aid with your dental anxiety.

Ask About Medication

Many various dentists offer sedation services in order to help you with your fear of the dentist. Consult with them regarding the availability of sedation or anxiety medication. These services can often be obtained in order to ensure that you are able to obtain dental work to protect the health of your smile.

Practice Relaxation Strategies

Various relaxation strategies can be used to help manage your stress and anxiety. Practicing meditation can help you to control your emotions and relieve your negative feelings. Breathing techniques can also help you to reduce your anxiety. Ensure that you practice these relaxation strategies before your specific dental visit. This will ensure that you are able to use these strategies effectively during your dental procedure.

Listen to Music

Various distractions can be used to reduce your anxiety throughout the dental visit. It can be helpful to bring your headphones and listen to music during the visit. Audiobooks are another great way to keep yourself distracted during the visit. This can help to prevent you from feeling anxious, because you won’t be paying attention to the dental procedure.

Reduce Caffeine Intake

Caffeine tends to substantially attribute to high anxiety levels. If you regularly experience anxiety, it may simply be exacerbated by the consumption of caffeine. It is especially important to refrain from consuming caffeine prior to your dental appointment. This will help you to remain calm throughout the process.

Find a Dentist you Get Along With

It is important to use dental services provided by a dentist that helps you to feel comfortable. Different personalities interact in a different way. If the dentist has a personality that conflicts with your own, it will likely put you more on edge. Alternatively, a dentist that you get along with will be better equipped to help you relax and feel comfortable throughout your visit.  

Establish a Hand Signal

It is important to ensure that you are able to communicate clearly with your dentist. However, when your dentist is working on your teeth, it is unlikely that you will be able to talk. Your dentist can help you to determine hand signals to indicate when you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of a break. These hand signals will allow you to feel more in control during your visit. Failing to communicate effectively can cause you to feel helpless and anxious during your dental procedure.

Take Care of your Teeth

Taking good care of your teeth will go a long way toward reducing compounded dental anxiety. When you have a severe oral health issue, it can be painful to have the issue resolved. This often makes your dental anxiety far worse. Alternatively, following a good oral hygiene routine, visiting your dentist on a regular basis, and cutting back on your sugar consumption can help to reduce the likelihood of oral health problems. Regular dental cleanings can also ensure that your dentist finds problems in the early stages. When you take care of your teeth, you are less likely to develop substantial issues that will amplify your dental anxiety.

Here at Jenson Dental, we are dedicated to providing you with the services that you need to overcome dental anxiety and ensure a positive experience. Following these steps can go a long way toward improving your comfort and ensuring that you are able to obtain the services that you need to overcome your dental phobia. To learn more about how to obtain dental services and handle your dental-related anxiety, contact our expert team at Jenson Dental today!