Do you get nervous at the idea of going to the dentist’s office? This is much more common than you may think. Over 30 million Americans experience stress related to their dental visits. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid dental care. It is essential you visit a dentist regularly for checkups, as oral health and overall health are directly related. Your dentist in The Woodlands shares some tips to help you combat dental anxiety so you can have a more comfortable visit.
Ask for a Step-by-Step Rundown
If you don’t know what your dentist is doing, you might experience additional stress. When you arrive for your appointment, ask if your dentist can explain how they plan on treating you and the order of activities. They will be happy to map out what you can expect during your visit to reduce your anxiety.
Pick a Good Time of Day
If your schedule is looking busy, adding a dental appointment to the mix isn’t going to help. Choose a day and time that fit best into your calendar. This way, you can have more time reserved and not feel rushed. Fortunately, your dentist in The Woodlands offers appointments throughout the workweek.
Talk to Your Dental Team
If your dental team isn’t aware that you have dental anxiety, they won’t be able to take measures to make you feel more comfortable. Let them know if there is anything they can do to put you at ease throughout your appointment. Address any concerns that you have as well. They want to help you feel more relaxed.
Listen to Music
For many people, it is the sound of dental instruments at work that triggers anxiety. If this is what worsens your fear of the dentist, ask if you wear headphones and listen to music while they do their job. By putting on relaxing classical music, soothing nature sounds, or your favorite playlist, you will be able to drown out the background noise and hopefully have a more relaxing experience.
Focus on Breathing
This may seem like an obvious one, but many people hold their breath when they are in a stressful situation. It may be beneficial for you to practice some breathing exercises to help you feel calmer. Slow, regular breathing is an effective method of stress reduction.
A dental visit may not be your idea of a good time, but it doesn’t need to be something that makes you worry as it approaches. Implement the steps above and you’ll likely find that you are less reluctant to receive the treatments your smile needs!
About the Author
Dr. Carin Solomon attained her dental degree from the University of Michigan and then moved to Dallas, building a successful private practice. She opened the doors of Solomon Dental Group in 2003 and has been working for the smiles of patients in The Woodlands ever since. She is a member of the American Dental Association. If you need extra help to overcome dental anxiety, Dr. Solomon offers three varieties of dental sedation. Schedule an appointment on her website or call (281) 367-4007.