Getting a little nervous before visiting a dentist is normal. But, if that nervousness turns into anxiety and prevents you from visiting a dentist when you should, is a matter of worry. Being afraid of needles, the sound of the drill, or the cost of the treatment, any negative past experiences, and embarrassment over the condition of the teeth restricts many people from getting a procedure done. But, that only leads to further problems. It is essential to overcome dental anxiety and go for a dental consultation as soon as possible before the problem becomes severe. If you are wondering how to overcome your dental fears, here are seven tips to help you:

1.List down your fears

Do you feel nervous or scared while you’re on the way to visit your dentist? A simple exercise like writing down your worries helps you recognize your fears and gather the courage to face them. It may even help your dentist to explain to you the cause of your fears and help you deal with it.

2.Be vocal about your fears

Writing your fears down will help you, but being vocal about it to your dentist may let you overcome your fears completely. Talk to the dentist about your anxieties during your consultation. Such a conversation will help the dentist to understand your problem effectively and figure out a tailor-made solution for your problem.

3.Have someone come with you to your appointments

Getting someone to come with you to your appointment can help you gather the courage to tackle any situation in a better way. So, if you are stressed out by the thought of your next visit to the dentist, take a companion along with you who acts as positive support and does not have the same fears as you have.

4.Practice relaxation techniques

Do you panic before the treatment begins? In such cases, you must calm yourself down before the treatment commences. To control your fears, practice some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to calm yourself down. It not only helps the dentist to perform the procedure successfully but also helps you to deal with it with a stable mind.

5.Use distractions

Distracting yourself from the ongoing dental treatment will help you get control over your dental anxiety. Some common distractions are listening to music, reverse counting, or talking to a companion who you got along to the dentist. This trick will distract you and also make you feel relaxed.

6.Reward yourself

Set a reward for yourself after every visit to the dentist and every successful dental procedure. Treat yourself to good food or gift yourself something you wanted for long after your visit. This will motivate you and alleviate your fears. Keeping a reward for yourself after finishing a dental treatment will make you look forward to your next dental visit, not with fear but excitement.

Dental anxiety not only makes you feel restless but also hinders the dental procedure, delaying the completion in certain cases. Implement these tips to overcome your dental phobia to let the dentist help you better, eventually resulting in good oral health.

Posted in Procedures and Treatments