When you go to the dentist, do you ever find yourself experience an inexplicable sense of anxiety?

Many patients undergo dental anxiety when they prepare to sit in the dentist’s chair. Even though many know dental visits are necessary, just like any other doctor’s appointment, many people still go to the dentist with a sense of trepidation.

If this sounds like you, you might be wondering what you can do to combat the anxiety. After all, since this is something you’ll have to do for the rest of your life, you want to know how to combat your nerves.

If you’ve Googled “dentist near me,” but your fear of the dentist is preventing you from making an appointment, keep reading.

We’ll tell you how to handle your dental anxiety below.

Understanding Your Dental Anxiety

To address your dental anxiety, you need to understand it.

How does dental anxiety work? What causes it?

Dental anxiety is actually the fifth leading cause of anxiety overall. Anxiety isn’t out of the normal. In fact, it’s the body’s natural response to threatening stimuli and is designed to keep us safe. 

Yet, sometimes, our anxiety keeps us from doing things we need to do. Dental anxiety often keeps people from visiting their local dentist, even though regular exams prevent everything from tooth decay to gum disease.

So how do you keep your anxiety at bay?

Call Your Dentist

To soothe your pre-visit nerves, call your local dentist’s office and ask them to explain any procedures to you. Sometimes, having a professional take you through your visit helps you stay calm and reassure yourself that everything will be fine.

This becomes especially helpful if you need to see a dentist for anything other than a regular cleaning. People often experience heightened anxiety around procedures they aren’t used to receiving. A professional explaining the process will help you rationalize it in your mind.

Deep Breathing

Many people find that deep breathing helps them cope with their anxiety. 

Breathing slowly calms you down by sending a signal to your nervous system to relax. 

To practice deep breathing, get yourself into a relaxed position, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath. Then, inhale deeply for four seconds, and release your breath for six. Repeat this until you feel calmer.

Meditation

If you want to calm yourself down, try meditation.

Many people associate meditation with a spiritual practice, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, people from all walks of life can benefit from meditation.

To meditate, get yourself in a relaxed position, preferably seated or lying down. Close your eyes and release all of the tension on your muscles.

Clear your head of thoughts and focus on being present in the moment, becoming acutely aware of all things happening around you.

Take deep breaths for additional relaxation.

Need a Dentist?

So, do you deal with dental anxiety?

If so, you probably want a way to cope with it so you can take care of your oral hygiene. By recognizing your anxiety for what it is, practicing deep breathing, and meditating, you might be able to calm yourself down.

Are you in the midst of choosing a dentist? We provide top-notch dental treatment. Contact us today for an appointment!