Dental Anxiety
If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone.
Believe it or not many people have a fear of being at the dentist. Whether it’s a past experience that happened as a young child that has stuck with them or a new fear that has developed over that last couple years. Here are a few tips that may help with overcoming your fear:
- Talk about it and ask questions. Tell your dental staff about your anxiety, share your experience, ask for coping mechanisms that they may have to help relax you and make you feel more comfortable. Listen to your playlist or have a pillow and blanket to make you more relaxed.
- Distract yourself. Listen to your favorite musician or listen to an audiobook, squeeze a stress ball, visualize your next vacation destination. Try and put your mind in a different place.
- Relaxation Techniques. Concentrate on your breathing, count your breaths. Do a full body scan focus on trying to relax every muscle in your body starting from your head to your toes (Head, neck, shoulders, chest, arms etc.) Try and let your body sink into the chair.
With every appointment, your dental anxiety should lessen until your fear is completely gone. Your first appointment is 1 step closer to getting over your fear.
