How to ease your dental anxiety

How to ease your dental anxiety

01st January 2019

Going to the dentist for regular checkups is an extremely important part of keeping your teeth healthy. A dentist can repair early-stage cavities and give you tips on how to brush your teeth better. A dentist can also spot early signs of problems such as gum disease and teeth grinding. In all, dental checkups are vital for your oral health.

However, many people are apprehensive about going to the dentist – so much so that they would rather stay at home than receive the dental treatment they need. If you’re a person with ‘dentophobia’, then read on, as this post will give you tips on how to ease your dental anxiety.

Take a slow and gradual approach

If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, then the best approach is a slow and steady one. There’s no need to jump in at the deep end; indeed, the best way to tackle your fears is to face them gradually rather than quickly. For example, you could go to the dental clinic for just a quick visit before you get any procedures done. This way, you can get a feel for what the dental clinic is like and meet the staff. You also don’t need to have any big procedures done right away; instead, you can get your feet wet with a simple procedure first, like a scale and polish.

Bring a friend with you

It always helps to have a friend or family member with you when you’re nervous about a dentist appointment. The person you bring along will be able to sit in with you during the appointment, so you’ll have them to hand during the scary bits.

Listen to music during the appointment

It can often help to listen to relaxing music during a dentist appointment. Music, especially classical music, has been shown to lower anxiety in people and increase the release of endorphins (the body’s happy hormones). Many dentists have music players in their clinics to ease worried patients. You could even just play your favourite music on your phone (as long as it doesn’t distract the dentist).

Book a morning appointment

Another tip if you have dental anxiety is to book an early morning appointment instead of an afternoon one. This way, you won’t have to dwell on the impending appointment throughout the day. It’s best to just get it over with!

Talk about your fears with your dentist

A good dentist will always be happy to listen to your fears and concerns and know exactly what to do to make you feel comfortable. If you do have dental anxiety, then make sure to tell your dentist beforehand. The dentist will know to take the appointment slowly and will explain everything clearly to you so you know exactly what’s going on.

If you’re looking for a dentist who’s great with anxious patients, then look no further than us! We have lots of experience with nervous patients, and you’ll be in great hands. Book an appointment by calling 020 3962 1530.