Do you get very stressed or filled with anxiety before and/or during your dentist visit? Well, you are definitely not alone. A very large percentage of people get this same anxiety before a dental visit or the doctor. However, if you are finding that you frequently skip their regular cleanings because of the stress, this can be very bad for your oral health and overall health. This is why we put together a list of things that you can do to reduce your dental anxiety to ensure you are still coming in for those important regular cleanings.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you regularly experience anxious feelings around dental visits, it is important for you to open up to your dentist about these feelings. Talking about these feelings will not only lift a weight off your chest, but your dentist will also be able to treat your needs better. Many people are experiencing anxiety about the dentist because they don’t know what is happening, which is why asking your dentist questions about the procedure can ease your mind.
Breathing Techniques
The majority of people experience some sort of anxiety in different situations throughout their lives, and one of the main things that can help reduce this anxiety is mindful breathing techniques. Deep breathing techniques can calm the brain and relax muscles throughout the body. While waiting for your dental appointment, you can take deep breaths and count them to relax yourself.
Listen to Calming Music
A great way to calm yourself during a dental procedure is to listen to music, show, or book on tape through headphones. This can distract your mind, so you are no longer focusing on the procedure. Music can also cancel out any noise there may be, like drilling that could cause stress.
Do You Have Dental Anxiety?
If you are unsure whether you have dental anxiety, the following are some of the most common symptoms people experience:
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble catching your breath
- Feeling shaky/faint
- Extreme sweating
- Panic Attacks
Contact Dr. Emma Wu
Dr. Emma Wu is a highly experienced dentist who is happy to work with each of her clients to make sure they are comfortable and relaxed through each procedure or appointment. Learn more about all the dental procedures we offer. Contact us today for an appointment or visit one of our two office locations!