Nervous To See The Dentist? How You Can Remain Calm

Going to the dentist may sound like the end of the world to many people, but according to the American Dental Association, everyone should visit the dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam. If you have dental anxiety, however, then you may not even remember the last time that you saw the dentist. Don't let your anxiety get the best of you, and make sure that you get in to see your dentist for a cleaning sooner rather than later. So, how can you stay calm? Read on to learn more. 

Practice Deep Breathing

Anyone who suffers from any type of anxiety disorder knows that one of the best ways to calm down during a panic attack is to practice deep breathing exercises. As soon as you schedule your dental cleaning, you may feel a little anxious, but try practice deep breathing any time you feel some anxiety come on. And, if you feel anxious during your cleaning, then you can also practice some deep breathing exercises as well. 

Sedation Dentistry

Ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. There are several forms of sedation dentistry that can be administered to you depending on the severity of your anxiety. For instance, if you just have mild anxiety, then your dentist may give you some laughing gas to help calm your nerves. However, if you're undergoing a larger oral procedure like a root canal and you have extreme anxiety, then general anesthesia may be used. Talk to your dentist beforehand about whether or not they offer sedation dentistry and what options are available to you. 

Be Vocal With Your Dentist

Another basic thing that you can do when you suffer from anxiety is to be open with your dentist about it. Sometimes, just by talking about your anxiety, you can help to feel calmer in the process. Additionally, by telling your dentist about your fears and anxieties beforehand, they can try to be as gentle and accommodating as possible. 

Going to the dentist isn't exactly a trip to Disneyland for most people, but for some people, it can feel like a real death sentence. If you suffer from dental anxiety and haven't seen the dentist in who-knows-how-long because of it, use the three tips listed above so that you can stay calm, cool, and collected during your next dental exam. One thing to remember in all of it is that your imagination is often worse than what will actually happen. 


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