4 Tips to Combat Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects hundreds of thousands of Americans. There are many reasons why people might have dental anxiety. They may have fear of the unknown, fear of the motorized dental tools or simply be afraid of getting bad news from the dentists. Whatever the reason for your dental anxiety, it’s not healthy to let this anxiety prevent you from going to the dentist. Here are some ways to combat dental anxiety.

1. Talk to Friends and Family

People don’t often discuss their dental visits. Naturally, it’s not a topic that is very interesting at a dinner party. But talking to your friends and family about their own dental treatment experiences can help you feel less anxious about going to the dentist. You’ll hear firsthand what they had done, what it was like, and the outcome. This will probably make you feel more confident going into your next dentist appointment.

2. Go More Often

Another way to combat dental anxiety that is derived from a fear of the unknown is simply to go more often. For three months, visit your dentist once a month. Just go in for simple reasons, like a routine examination, a teeth whitening or to get dental sealants. The more you visit your dentist and get to know the staff and the office environment, the more comfortable you’ll start to feel about dental visits in general.

3. Try Some Remedies

If you feel that you need to relax before your dental visit, try some remedies that others have used. You can try meditating, having a glass of wine, or even try CBD, which is gaining in popularity. Of course, if you don’t feel good about having a glass of wine or trying CBD, you should choose an alternative relaxation remedy that aligns with your values and lifestyle.

4. Ask For Sedation Dentistry

You can always be upfront and honest with your dentist about your anxieties. Your dentist may offer you sedation dentistry. This is a calming agent that in no way impairs your ability to make decisions or be aware of your surroundings. It’s just a very mild relaxant that can help you combat dental anxiety.

Remember, it’s better to seek ways to combat dental anxiety than to avoid seeing the dentist at all. For more ideas about getting over dental anxiety, please contact us.