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People suffer from all kinds of phobias, and dental phobias are one of the most common of them. It’s important that dental patients not allow their fears to prevent them from visiting their dentists for routine cleanings, exams, and necessary procedures, but overcoming dental anxiety can be tough. Read on to find a few tips that will help.
Communicate Concerns
Patients with dental anxiety should always communicate those fears to their dentists in advance. The dentists can explain upcoming procedures from start to finish to give patients a better idea of what to expect, which can help to alleviate the fear of the unknown. A good Idaho Falls Dentist will do everything possible to assuage his or her patients’ fears, so don’t be afraid to communicate any concerns, no matter how seemingly minor they are.
Do Some Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are designed to help relax the mind and make people feel calmer. They’re great for reducing stress during dental visits. Try to get familiar with different breathing exercises in advance so they’ll come as second nature during times of stress, such as when you’re in the dentist’s chair.
To try one popular breathing exercise, close those eyes and inhale through the nose. Hold in that breath for a few seconds, counting to five or ten if necessary to keep track of time, then exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat the process at least three times.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
It’s common for people’s anxiety to get worse once they’re sitting in the waiting room or climbing into the dentist’s chair. In this situation, meditation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation can help to keep the mind focused to banish anxious thoughts. It’s a great technique to try after using deep breathing exercises to calm down.
With eyes closed or fixed on a non-moving object, try to relax the whole body. Pay attention to each part of the body, one at a time, starting at the top of the head and moving down to the toes. Make a conscious effort to release any muscle tension felt in each body part before moving on.
Bring a Friend
Having a supportive friend or family member in the dentist’s office can make it much easier to stay calm. Ask the dentist if it’s okay to bring someone into the exam room. Even if the friend or a family member has to wait outside in the waiting room, knowing he or she will be there when the whole ordeal is over can make it easier to feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable.
A Good Dentist Makes All the Difference
Just because one dentist has been less than considerate about a patient’s dental anxiety, or has even done something to make it worse, doesn’t mean all dentists will be the same. Anxious patients who have had bad experiences at their current practices may have a harder time overcoming newly developed phobias that have resulted from the bad visit. It’s usually better to start over with a clean slate by finding a new dentist who can provide not just excellent care but also compassionate help with overcoming dental anxiety.
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