Whether you had a bad dental experience in the past or simply the thought of visiting the dentist has always caused distress, you are not alone. While the levels may vary, dental anxiety is very common among adults. Unfortunately, this can cause people to avoid the dentist altogether which can ultimately lead to more dental problems down the road. If you experience dental anxiety in any form, here are a few tips that can help you cope when it’s your time to visit Beall Dental Center.
Communicate Your Fears
At Beall Dental Center, we strive to create an environment where our patients feel comfortable every step of the way. If you’re nervous and experiencing any degree of anxiety, we recommend voicing any concerns you may have. Making those worries known will help us do a better job of treating your needs and making special accommodations when needed. We do our best to thoroughly explain what is happening during the appointment, although we invite you to ask questions or for more clarification as necessary. This can help alleviate some of the fears of the unknown.
Find Distractions
While this may be easier said than done, focusing on something other than what’s happening in the dental chair can help ease those anxiety-driven thoughts. Some ways you can distract yourself can include:
- Bringing a set of headphones and listening to your favorite music or a podcast
- Squeezing a stress ball
- Reciting the alphabet backward in your head
Practice Mindfulness Techniques
To help relax, a variety of breathing exercises and relaxation treatments can be performed. When it comes to keeping tense sensations at bay, a few minutes of meditation goes a long way. Merely closing your eyes and taking long, controlled breaths to practice deep breathing can make a major difference. This lowers a person’s blood pressure, relaxes muscles and slows the heart rate. There are numerous Apps and audio tracks available to help you learn these methods.
Whether it’s on a beach or somewhere in the mountains, visualizing yourself relaxing in a place that brings you happiness can also help create a calming effect.
Our team at Beall Dental Center is here to help you face your dental phobia. Don’t let your fears keep you from taking care of your dental health. Schedule an appointment at Beall Dental Center and let us combat your dental anxiety together.
