Top 6 Tips For Managing Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a very common problem. In fact, according to the studies, more than half of Americans have some sort of dental fear or phobia. And while it may be difficult to control this issue in some cases, there are ways that you can take care of your teeth without having to worry about going through the entire process.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is the fear of dental procedures, treatments, or simply visiting the dentist. This can be caused by a variety of things, including previous bad experiences, the fear of pain, or even just the idea of having someone else in control of your mouth.

How to know if you have dental anxiety

There are a few telltale signs that you may have dental anxiety. If you experience any of the following, it’s likely that you’re dealing with some level of fear or phobia:

• Avoidance of dental appointments
• Difficulty sleeping the night before a scheduled appointment
• Increased heart rate or sweating during dental visits
• Feelings of panic or claustrophobia during dental procedures

Here are some tips to help you manage your dental anxiety:

1. Talk to your dentist about your anxiety. The first step to managing any sort of anxiety is to talk to your dentist about it. This way, they can be aware of your situation and work with you to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible during your appointment.
2. Distract yourself during the appointment. One of the best ways to manage dental anxiety is to distract yourself during the actual appointment. Bring a book or magazine to read, listen to music, or even chat with the person next to you. This will help take your mind off of what’s happening and make the time go by faster.
3. Use relaxation techniques. There are a number of different relaxation techniques that you can use to help calm your nerves before and during your appointment. Try deep breathing exercises, visualization, or even progressive muscle relaxation.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for numbing medication. If the thought of needles makes you anxious, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for a numbing medication. This can help take the edge off of your anxiety and make the appointment much more bearable.
5. Choose a trusted dentist. If you’re not comfortable with your current dentist, it may be time to find someone new. Look for a Durango Dentist who has experience working with patients who have dental anxiety. They’ll be able to understand your concerns and help you feel more at ease.
6. Take some time for yourself after the appointment. Once it’s over, take some time for yourself to relax. Maybe take a warm bath or go for a walk outside. This will help you decompress from the appointment and hopefully make it so that you’re not as anxious the next time around.

Dental anxiety is a very common problem, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With these tips, you can take control of your anxiety and make sure that you’re able to get the dental care that you need.