Dentophobia is real and some people find it near impossible to avoid having a full-on panic attack when it’s time for their routine check up. Here are 5 ways to calm your nerves and make your visit a stress-free experience:
- Do your research
Knowing what to expect before your dental visit will release heaps of anxiety before your appointment. Call your dental office and find out exactly who will be treating you. Look up your dentist’s background online and search reviews for him or her, as well as the administration. Doing your research will only help better prepare you for your visit and help you feel confident in the choice you’ve made!
- Communicate
Know exactly what questions (and fears) you have before you get to your appointment. What is bothering you? Can you identify your pain on a scale of one to ten? What gives you the most anxiety about this visit? Being able to share this with your dentist will give them the insight they need to cater their chairside manner to helping you feel at ease.
- Avoid caffeine and eat light
If going to the dentist is scary enough, going while jittery or light headed is even worse. Make sure you avoid caffeine before your next check up and eat something light to help reduce anxiety or weakness.
- Bring ambient music to block out sounds
For some people the mechanical buzzing that fills a dental office are the worst sounds of all. Cringing in the waiting room as you hear drill after drill can really raise your blood pressure! Prepare yourself and bring a set of headphones and ambient music. The tunes will ease your worries and block out those nerve-racking noises.
- Prepare for your visit
The absolute best way to prepare for your visit and relieve anxiety is to develop good oral-care habits. Make sure you are flossing and brushing two times daily and visiting your dentist routinely. The easiest way to ease your nerves about your next filling or deep cleaning is to have better at-home preventative care and avoid needing those treatments all together!