3 ways to reduce dental anxiety
Many people are afraid of going to the dentist. These people may have anxiety or fear of cleaning or procedures such as cavity fillings or root canals. If you have avoided going to the dental office or clinic in the past because of dental anxiety, you should think of ways to deal with your anxiety! Oral and dental health is closely related to the general health of the body. During the visit, the dentist may notice early warning signs of problems such as gingivitis or tooth decay. Early treatment of these issues can help you avoid more complicated dental treatment.
In the following, we discuss three ways to deal with dental anxiety:
Ways to reduce dental anxiety
Do not avoid going to the dentist. Try these three tips to make your dental visit a stress-free experience.
1. be honest with your dentist
Tell your dentist that you are anxious and afraid of the treatment process. In this case, the dentist will explain to you the activities he is going to do and the treatment steps and discomforts that may occur. You are not the first patient who has dental treatment anxiety and the dentist has enough experience. In fact, sharing your anxiety with the dentist can also relieve stress.
2. Distract yourself
Many dentists have televisions that are turned on during treatment for patients to watch during treatment. Focusing on TV can be distracting. Alternatively, ask if it’s possible to listen to music or an interesting podcast or audiobook. You should be able to hear the dentist’s instructions, but listening to soft music can help manage anxiety.
3. Use of anesthesia
Many dentists in Canada offer anesthesia and sedation so that patients can sleep during their dental procedure. Although this method is usually used for more invasive procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, it can be a great option if you have severe dental anxiety. While this requires more preparation before the appointment and a longer recovery period afterward, for some patients, this method is the best option.
Causes of dental anxiety
What is the cause of fear of dentistry? Getting to the root of this issue can help you overcome anxiety and fear.
Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety include:
- Fear of pain: past painful experiences in dentistry and dental surgery or fear of tools used during milling and surgery can lead to anxiety.
- Fear of anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is uncomfortable for some people
- Self-consciousness: Some people feel uncomfortable being in someone else’s place for a long time.
Practicing breathing techniques, listening to soothing music, or talking to a psychologist about your anxiety can go a long way in reducing your fear of the dentist.
