Get the care you need.

Few people would say they enjoy visiting the dentist. However, for some patients, dental anxiety makes it truly challenging to get the care they need. They might avoid routine visits, letting tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues develop over time. Putting these tips into action can help you overcome dental anxiety and get the care you need.

1. Communicate your fears.

If you have any level of dental anxiety, make sure to mention it to your dentist. Dealing with patient fears and concerns is an important part of the care they provide. They will work with you to develop accommodations so that you get reliable dental treatment.

Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns when discussing diagnosis and treatment planning. If you don’t understand something, ask them instead of letting worries build over time. During their education, dentists receive specific training on communicating with patients. They’ll be happy to answer your questions.

2. Use relaxation techniques.

Many relaxation techniques can help people deal with anxiety in a variety of situations, including dental visits. Simple breathing exercises are highly effective for some people. Breathing deeply, holding that breath, breathing out slowly, and repeating can help you calm down ahead of your appointment.

Others rely on practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and guided imagery. Each of these is suited to certain people and could be worth exploring to find a solution that works for you.

3. Schedule wisely.

The time that you schedule your appointment also makes a big difference. For many people, scheduling earlier in the day can really help. The anticipation is often the worst part, so having less time to wait for your appointment during the day may reduce your anxiety.

When planning family dentistry, scheduling children’s appointments can be a challenge. Children often feel much more anxious if they’re rushed. Scheduling routine visits during school breaks is a great option when possible.

If not, try to plan appointments so that you’re either picking your child up early from school or dropping them off late. This way, they don’t have to be both picked up and dropped off from school.

4. Bring distractions.

Simple distractions are often more than enough to deal with mild dental anxiety. Some dental practices may incorporate music, TVs, or other media for this specific reason. Bringing some headphones along to listen to music from a mobile device can help take your mind off the dental procedure.

For other people, tactile distractions are more effective. Bringing along a stress ball or various fidget devices will help take your mind away from the physical sensations of your dental appointment.

5. Practice good oral hygiene.

A lot of dental anxiety stems from concern over oral health. Keeping up with good oral hygiene practices between visits will help you feel more confident. You’ll also reduce the risk of issues that require additional treatment, like cavities and gum disease.

Brush twice each day, sticking to a regular routine. Flossing once each day is also essential. If you have any specific instructions from your dentist, make sure to follow those as well.

6. Bring a support person.

Bringing someone along often makes visiting the dentist an easier experience. Their moral support can go a long way toward soothing your dental anxiety. Some simple conversation ahead of your appointment can keep you from fixating as well.

In many cases, dental practices can allow your support person to join you during the procedure. However, that isn’t always possible. Even when it’s not, you can still benefit from bringing them to your appointment. They can provide crucial support during your commute to the office and in the waiting room.

7. Familiarize yourself with the environment.

If you’re visiting a new dentist, whether changing your dental home or seeing a specialist, ask to visit the office ahead of time. This will give you the opportunity to learn what to expect during your visit. In turn, you can go to your appointment less overwhelmed by uncertainty.

Dentists are highly accommodating when patients face dental anxiety, and this type of visit is very common. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any pressing questions you might have and to meet the staff ahead of your treatment.

Enjoy comfortable Buffalo family dentistry.

Finding the right dentist near Buffalo, MN, plays a major role in overcoming dental anxiety. You need a dentist who can provide accommodations and hear your concerns. Beyond that, sticking with one dentist and keeping up with routine visits builds familiarity that helps assuage any fear of the dentist you might experience. Find out more about Dental Care Associates of Buffalo and why our practice is the perfect dental home.