It is estimated that between 9-15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because they are anxious or scared. That means that millions of people are missing out on critical dental care that can prevent serious problems down the road.
It's normal to feel a little anxious about visiting the dentist. After all, nobody likes having someone poke around in their mouth! However, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more bearable. Here are three tips for conquering your fear of the dentist.
1. Talk to your dentist about your anxiety
The first step is acknowledging that you have anxiety about visiting the dentist and then voice these concerns to your dentist. This way, they will be able to work with you and help put you at ease. For example, if needles make you anxious, they can numb the area before starting the procedure. If the sound of the drill bothers you, they can provide headphones with soft music to take your mind off of what’s happening. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell them what makes you anxious—they’ve heard it all before and want to help!
2. Know Your History
It’s important for your dentist to understand what procedures you’ve had done in the past – or if you’ve had none. Understanding your dental history gives your dentist all the information they require to make the right choices for you. This way, there won’t be anything unexpected and your dentist can walk you through the procedure ahead of time, allowing you to ask questions and gain the confidence you need to get through.
3. Try some deep breathing exercises
Try taking some deep breaths before heading into the dental chair. This will help you relax and hopefully ease some of your anxiety. Close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for a count of four, then hold your breath for a count of seven, and finally exhale through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this until you feel more relaxed.
Remember, visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! Talk to your dentist about your concerns, try some deep breathing exercises, and if all else fails, distract yourself with a movie, music, or audio book. Soon enough, it will all be over and you can enjoy your beautiful smile worry-free!
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