Easy Strategies to Fight Dental Anxiety
Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for many people. Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects individuals of all ages, so don’t feel like you’re alone. However, it’s important to overcome this fear and maintain good dental hygiene for overall well-being.
If you’re one of the many people who struggle with dental anxiety, here are five easy strategies to help you overcome it.
1. Bring Someone with You
Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you to your dental appointments can easily provide emotional support. Their presence can help distract you and make you feel more at ease. When we provide children’s dentistry treatments, we welcome parents to be in the treatment room.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing exercises and visualization techniques can quickly help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Practice these techniques before and during your dental visit to help keep yourself relaxed.
3. Bring a Distraction
Whether you like to read or listen to music, bring along something that can keep you distracted. This also includes requesting a specific TV show on the screen in the treatment room, if possible.
4. Take Breaks
If you feel overwhelmed during the dental procedure, don’t hesitate to ask for breaks. We can also agree on hand signals for breaks during the treatment. This will give you a chance to relax, regain composure, and regain control of your anxiety.
5. Explore Sedation Options
If you still are having trouble with dental anxiety after trying other ways to cope, consider exploring sedation options. Sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation can help you relax and reduce anxiety during dental treatments.
Enjoy a Relaxing Dental Experience at Curtis Family Dentistry
Overcoming dental anxiety takes time and patience. It’s also important to find a dentist who can make you feel comfortable. At Curtis Family Dentistry, we put our patients first! We encourage patients to voice their concerns, so a relaxing dental experience is possible.
Contact our office to learn more about how we can help you get dental care without dental anxiety.