{"id":42,"date":"2022-01-17T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-17T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westmaitlanddentistry.com\/dental-anxiety-how-to-cope\/"},"modified":"2022-01-17T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-01-17T00:00:00","slug":"dental-anxiety-how-to-cope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westmaitlanddentistry.com\/blog\/2022\/01\/17\/dental-anxiety-how-to-cope\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Anxiety: How to Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"

New year, new you?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s getting new dental insurance, fulfilling New Year\u2019s resolutions or deciding to focus on the health of your mouth, January is a common month that we see new patients.\u00a0 A lot of times these new\u00a0patients have put off seeing the dentist. \u00a0What often keeps them from the chair is anxiety. \u00a0We use the term dental anxiety when it comes to patients who are anxious or afraid of the dental office.\u00a0 But did you know that this is a common and\u00a0manageable anxiety? So if this sounds like you, keep reading for recommendations to help your next dental appointment go smooth and stress free!<\/p>\n

Find the right dentist for you.<\/em>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

A dentist-patient relationship is special and not all dentists might be the right fit for you.\u00a0 Do some research and find out what other patients interactions are with that dentist. \u00a0You can do this through their website, reviews or word of mouth.\u00a0 Also, it helps to find out if the dentist has experience working on anxious patients.<\/p>\n

Communication.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Let your dentist and staff know about your anxiety and ask questions.\u00a0 Letting your dentist know can help them determine how to make you the most comfortable at your appointment.\u00a0 Also remember you are in control of the appointment. So if you are feeling overwhelmed and need a break, don\u2019t be afraid to let them know!<\/p>\n

Drown out the noise.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

During treatments we encourage people to be relaxed and listening to your own music can help achieve this.\u00a0 Especially now a days with noise cancelling headphones it makes it possible that you can completely tune out the noise. \u00a0Also, if you forget your headphones see if your dentist has any earplugs as often times we do.<\/p>\n

Let go of any embarrassment.<\/em>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

If being embarrassed of your mouth is the cause of your anxiety- please don\u2019t be embarrassed!\u00a0 As healthcare providers, not only are we used to seeing a wide range of conditions in the mouth, we also have a no judgement policy.\u00a0 Not only that, we are excited to help someone get out of pain, get a healthy mouth or achieve a smile that is a source of pride.<\/p>\n

Get comfortable.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Some offices, such as ours, provide neck pillows and heavy blankets to help reduce the stress of being in the chair.\u00a0 Our office even carries stress balls for you to hold onto to help alleviate tensions. \u00a0Most dental offices don\u2019t mind if you bring one of your own in as well.<\/p>\n

Zen time.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Try controlled breathing or mediation. \u00a0Controlled breathing and meditation can calm and lower anxieties. \u00a0At your next visit try some of\u00a0these<\/a> out.<\/p>\n

Look into sedation.<\/em>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

If all else fails there is anti-anxiety medication, laughing gas, conscious or general sedation, to help your experience be a positive one. \u00a0Be sure to discuss with your dentist the risks and benefits of these as well as any side effects to expect.<\/p>\n

Although it may seem daunting to make that appointment if you have dental anxiety, letting problems in your mouth go can lead to serious consequences.\u00a0 Utilizing these tips can help crease a stress free and relaxing trip to the dentist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

New year, new you?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s getting new dental insurance, fulfilling New Year\u2019s resolutions or deciding to focus on the health of your mouth, January is a common month that we see new patients.\u00a0 A lot of times these new\u00a0patients have put off seeing the dentist. \u00a0What often keeps them from the chair is anxiety. 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