How To Overcome Dental Anxiety
Going to the dentist may not be a walk to the park for some people. It doesn’t only apply to kids, but adults as well. It may have been caused by an unpleasant experience from a previous dental visit, or just the distrust that one can get from a stranger for personal reasons. Whatever the underlying cause is, dental anxiety may happen to anyone, whatever age group you may be in.
However, as the saying goes: “there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel”. We’re not saying that the anxiety will go away overnight; instead, we’re here to let you know that there are ways to effectively manage it.
As dental experts ourselves, we’re here to be the reassuring voices to your looming anxiety. There are dental clinics (and we’re one of them!) that tend to dental phobia. We care about the entire well-being of our clients, and we want to make sure that you are at ease before undergoing any dental procedures.
Steer clear of food and drinks that are high in caffeine
Ah yes – caffeine! It is a well-known drug stimulant that is usually found in our food and drinks, with coffee and tea being on the front-runner list. They stimulate our brain and central nervous system, which help us keep awake and alert. While it benefits us in a lot of ways, there are certain side effects that it may bring such as restlessness and anxiety.
If caffeine is a part of your daily routine, you may want to cut down on your intake if you have a scheduled dental visit. Instead, you can substitute that are high in protein or vitamin C such as eggs, citrus fruits and juice, and vegetables.
Practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness
If you’ve noticed, this is what yoga practitioners do since they’re all about training the mind and senses to stay calm and in the present. Deep breathing has a way of calming our nerves and recentering our thoughts, especially during nerve-wracking situations.
Make use of healthy distractions that are helpful for you
In relation to the previous tip, find a healthy distraction that will help you calm your nerves while you wait for your turn to see your dentist. This can come in various forms such as plugging in your headphones as you jam along to your favorite tunes, reading your favorite book, or simply watching your favorite TV shows and movies. If you will notice, there are dental clinics that offer entertainment amenities such as TV screens playing a movie, radios blasting music, and a stack of magazine selections on standby, while patients wait for their turn.
If you have a favorite thing that you know can help in calming your nerves before your trip to the dentist, you are more than welcome to pack it along with you.
Be open about your concerns with your dentist
Sharing your concerns with your dentist will most certainly be helpful for you as this will help them in coming up with an effective treatment plan for you. You are encouraged to openly ask questions about the procedure and they may even give you tips on coping strategies. Not only will your dentist be able to treat your teeth, but at the same time, it can also begin to ease your anxiety slowly but surely.
Infinite Dental Wellness’ Takes Action on Dental Anxiety in Glendale, CA
Your comfort matters to us. That is why at Infinite Dental Wellness, we can assure you that we can handle your dental anxiety concerns with much care. Regardless of the reason causing your anxiety, we understand that it’s not an easy situation to be in; but at the same time, we want to make sure that your oral health is also at its best. If you are in Glendale, CA, and nearby areas, and you find yourself struggling with dental anxiety, we encourage you to give us a call, and together, we will work out a treatment plan that will work best for you.
