How To Reduce Dental Anxiety

For almost 40 million Americans, the idea of going to the dentist is one that fills them with trepidation. The source of this fear varies from patient to patient, but the experience for all of them is very similar. Some find themselves worried about the professional nature of the dentist, and whether their concerns will be heard. Others have negative associations with dentists resulting from personal experiences, popular media, or the horror stories others have told them. For some patients, dental anxiety is a mild concern, while for others, the idea of visiting the dentist can be enough to spur a panic attack.

How Dental Anxiety Puts Your Oral Health At Risk

While avoiding the dentist may help ease anxiety and their concerns about treatments they may need to receive, it does little to preserve their oral health. Not visiting the dentist can be a sure-fire way to ensure you end up experiencing painful dental concerns and needing expensive treatments. Twice-yearly visits are the minimum recommended by the ADA to prevent oral health concerns and push back gingivitis and gum disease. This means taking control of your dental anxiety by finding ways to conquer it is essential to avoiding unavoidable dental care down the road. We’ve put together a list of ways you can ease your dental anxiety and ensure you get the care you need before your teeth pay the price.

Staying Calm During Your Visit To The Dentistry

The best way to ease your anxiety during a dental visit is going to depend on the specific nature of your fear. Mild concerns may be able to be addressed with simple relaxation techniques and limiting certain stimuli that can trigger an anxiety attack. More serious concerns may require working with your physician and dentist to find ways to make it easier for you to get the necessary care. Below we have provided some basic options that can help.

• Talk About It – Sharing your anxiety with others, especially your dental staff, can help them find methods to help you cope with your fears. They can adapt treatments and the environment to make it easier for you.
• Eat For Ease – Stimulants should obviously be avoided prior to going to the dentist if you’re prone to anxiety. High protein food, on the other hand, has been revealed to have a soothing effect.
• Control Your Inputs – Wearing headphones can help block out sounds of dental equipment, such as the drill, that are known to cause anxiety for many patients. Ask your dentist if you can wear them while you receive treatment.
• Sedation Dentistry – In the most severe cases, you may be eligible to undergo some form of sedation dentistry to help you ease your fears. In most cases, a mild sedative can be provided that will help you remain calm while you get care.

Want to know what Southwest Family Dentistry can do to help you manage dental anxiety? Call our offices to organize an appointment with Dr. John Batlle in Lake City, FL. We’re ready to help you start receiving the care you need and ease your dental anxiety once and for all!