Dental anxiety is a problem that affects millions of people—from incredibly mild cases to severe. It’s normal to be a little nervous going to the dentist, but it becomes a real issue if your anxiety is preventing you from getting the oral healthcare you need. Without seeing your dentist, you could be spending much more time and money on dental care in the future. Thankfully, you can read on to learn 5 ways to overcome your dental anxiety in Bullard!
#1. Talk About How You’re Feeling
It’s always a great idea to let your dentist know how you’re feeling right away. Describe your anxiety and any specific points of fear. From there, you can work together to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
#2. Get a Step-By-Step Run Down
If you’re like most, some of the anxiety may come from the unknown. That’s why preparing for your dentistry by understanding what exactly is going to occur can help immensely! Ask your dentist about what happens next during your appointment so you know what to expect. You can also ask for status updates so you know how much longer your visit will last.
#3. Use Hand Signals
For some, fear and anxiety can come from potential discomfort during the appointment. Whether your visit is a regular checkup, or more extensive dentistry, develop some hand signals with your dentist. The easiest one is to raise your hand when you experience sensitivity to avoid any discomfort. You can also give the thumbs up when the treatment is going okay.
#4. Pay Attention to Your Breathing
It’s scientifically proven that your rate of breathing can directly impact how calm or stressed you feel. That’s why you should make a conscious effort to take slow, deep breaths instead of quick and shallow ones. This exercise will slowdown your heartrate while taking your mind off of what’s going on in your mouth!
#5. Pick the Right Appointment Time
Are you a morning person? Maybe you should schedule your appointment before noon. Or, what if you make your appointment at the end of the day so it’s the last activity you have and you can just relax after. No matter your preference, make sure you think about the time of the day that you’d rather see the dentist as well as what day of the week. By setting yourself up for success, you’ll automatically feel more relaxed when heading into your dentist’s office.
Ready to overcome your fear? Just remember these easy yet effective tips to stay healthy and free of dental anxiety!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Tad Morgan understands the ways that dental anxiety can impact your oral health and life, which is why he offers various sedation dentistry options for all levels of fear. To schedule a relaxing and comfortable appointment, contact Dr. Morgan through his website or by phone at (903) 825-1112.