Dental anxiety is highly common among dental patients. If you have dental anxiety, there is no shame in it. It is important that you do not let dental anxiety stop you from getting the oral health treatment you need. Here are the top three ways to alleviate dental anxiety.
Talk to Your Dentist
It is important that you talk to your dentist about your anxiety before you undergo any procedures. Being up front and honest with your dentist will help them to better accommodate you. Your dentist will have additional methods of coping with your dental anxiety, and if it is too troublesome for you they may have pharmaceutical means of keeping you calm through the procedure.
Music
Often, music is a great way to relieve dental anxiety. You can create a playlist of your favorite songs and listen to it through ear buds while the dentist is doing their work. Earbuds, particularly air buds, do not interfere with the work your dentist needs to do on your mouth. Turn up the music as loud as you need to drown out the sound of the tools, and focus your attention on the lyrics and the way the music makes you feel.
Breathing Exercises
It is important to monitor your breathing while you are getting dental work done, especially if you have dental anxiety. Anxiety can make your breaths come short and fast, and this can actually make your anxiety worse. If you can slow down your breathing and take even, deep breaths, it will help to keep you calmer during your procedure.
If you have dental anxiety, our offices can help. Our staff and dentists are very sensitive to dental anxiety and have many methods of coping with it. Do not let your anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need. Contact us today.
