How To Reduce Dental Anxiety

Visiting the dentist is an essential part of your healthcare regime. You have just one set of teeth to last you a lifetime, to achieve this you need the help of professionals! Yet, despite knowing it is good for you, that does not stop and estimated one in five people being scared of visiting them.

It doesn’t matter if you use the best dentist Bankstown has to offer or one that has just qualified; these tips will help you to reduce your dental anxiety and get the best possible care for your teeth.

Make the Appointment

The first step is to simply make the dental appointment. It is advisable to do this by phone as you can persuade yourself that you are making a different type of appointment.

The alternative is to get a friend to make an appointment for you.

Whether you or your friend calls make sure you tell the dentist that you suffer from dental anxiety. This will enable them to help you at the appointment and they will know in advance to take it slowly.

Take A Friend

Unfortunately the waiting room is one of the most nerve racking places to be, even without dental anxiety! It is, therefore, important to take a friend with you for moral support. They can keep your mind busy by chatting about all sorts of other things.

Breathe Slowly

As you start to get nervous you will probably find that you are holding your breath. Unfortunately this will reduce the amount of oxygen getting to your brain and other vital organs; increasing the feeling of panic.

Simply practice breathing slowly and deeply before, during and after the appointment.

Check-Up

When making an appointment specify that you merely want a check-up. Yes, you may need cleaning or dental work but that doesn’t mean you have to undergo it straight away. By visiting for just a check-up all you are doing is letting the dentist inspect your mouth and tell you about the condition of your teeth.

You can worry about any treatment which is needed later.

Timing

Visiting the dentist is stressful. It is, therefore; imperative that you choose the best time for your appointment. You need to have no pressing demand for your time; this will simply add stress to your day.

Instead make sure you have at least a 2 hour window clear; this will help you remain calm.

Talk To The Dentist

There are so many people with dental anxiety that your dentist will be used to dealing with it. Talk to them about your concerns and they will be able to help you. A good dentist will take it slowly, allowing you several appointments before they do anything to your teeth.

It is also a good idea to discuss hand signals with your dentist; you may not be able to talk when they are poking round your mouth. Having a set of signals means that you can remain in control and stop the appointment any time you need to.

However, you will be surprised at how quickly you feel comfortable in the chair.

This is a guest blog post.