How to Handle Dental Anxiety? Apply These 8 Smart Strategies

Do you get anxious just thinking about going to the dentist? It’s not uncommon! The American Dental Association estimates that up to 20% of people experience a fear of the dentist, also known as dental anxiety or phobia.

People having dental phobia often use any justification to avoid attending dental appointments. Thus they wind up experiencing severe difficulties over time due to a lack of professional oral care.

If that sounds like you, this post contains tips for helping you manage and eventually overcome dental anxiety. Check them out!

8 Strategies to Cope-up With Dental Anxiety

Thankfully, there are several ways to feel more at ease at the dentist’s office. Here are 8 strategies for controlling dental anxiety.

1. Use Relaxing Tactics

You can feel more relaxed using a variety of breathing exercises and muscle relaxation treatments. You merely need to close your eyes and take a few deep, controlled breaths to practice deep breathing.

When visiting the dentist’s office, try these relaxing breathing techniques if you are afraid. When it comes to preventing anxiety, a brief meditation session can help a lot.

2. Try Guided Imagery

Guided imagery induces a concentrated state of relaxation and physical and emotional well-being through the use of a planned and controlled daydream. You are instructed to create an enjoyable, peaceful mental image.

It can be anything you prefer – A beach, mountains, lake, or a safe environment. This actively diverts your attention to attain relaxation to lessen your anxiety.

3. Treat it With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method that involves placing needles into specific body parts, also referred to as acupuncture points, in order to treat a disease. Acupuncture has reportedly been shown to be useful in treating anxiety and, on occasion, tooth discomfort.

You can try this simple and affordable therapy to reduce your dental anxiety. But remember to consult a licensed acupuncture practitioner only.

4. Search for Dentists Using the Sedation Technique

Before and during treatments, dentists can keep you calm and comfortable by using oral sedation. This way, you can relax during your dental procedure without feeling any pain or discomfort.

Sedation dentistry is one of the most effective ways to keep patients at ease according to this dentist in Pasadena CA. Therefore whenever you need to undergo a dental procedure, look out for a dentist who practices sedation dentistry.

5. Consider Using Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy involves calming down and quieting the conscious mind. By using this guided relaxation technique, you can enter a trance state. During this process, a hypnotherapist can reduce your anxiety via the power of suggestion.

Understanding that a hypnotherapist can’t force you to do anything you would not choose to do on your own is crucial. Search for a hypnosis professional to help you deal with your dental anxiety and phobia.

6. Get Distracted

Anxiety can also be reduced in the dental office by providing a diversion. Consult your dentist in advance. During your appointment, see if you can watch TV or a movie, put on headphones, and listen to music.

Many dentists are aware of their patients’ fears and reluctance to undergo dental procedures. Therefore, they provide a variety of distractions in their clinic.

7. Bring a Companion

Your anxiety might decrease with the help of a family member or friend. Find out if you can bring a friend or family member with you to the dentist. Even if you cannot converse with this person during your session, just having them there can make you feel more secure and at ease.

8. Analgesia

Analgesia is a type of drug that is used to treat pain. But they are also used during dental appointments to ease mild anxiety and treat discomfort. These medications are available over the counter. You can take these after consulting with your dentist. One simple thing to remember is to take these medications for a limited time and not overdo them.

Author Bio: Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental clinic in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality daily, and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts must stay updated about what’s new in the dental field enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and educating dental and non-dental communities with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and the latest treatment modalities.