Do you visit your dentist regularly? Going to your dentist regularly is significant for having healthy gums and teeth, yet dental anxiety creates an uneasiness about dental appointments, which keeps people away from the dentist. Dental anxiety is a common problem affecting most of the population; however, rather than postponing the visit, you must understand how to cope with dental anxiety and its symptoms to stay healthy.
- Coping options to handle dental anxiety
Dental anxiety can affect people of any age; there are several coping mechanisms to help you ease your fears so that you can confidently climb up the dental chair.
- Talk about your concerns with your dentist
Do not hesitate to communicate your issues with Dr. Pagniano Jr. cosmetic dentist. Only dentists can take the necessary steps to make the process easier for you and explain every step to you from start to end so that you know what you expect from the procedure. Moreover, they will also recommend necessary techniques to help you relax and feel more comfortable during the appointment. Feel free to ask questions. When you understand the procedure, you will feel less anxious about it.
- Perform breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises can aid you in relaxing your mind, and it will also make you feel calm. These exercises will not only reduce your stress during the appointments, but they will also make you feel extremely comfortable to take the procedure. It would help if you started by closing your eyes, inhaled slowly through your nose, then hold your breath for few seconds, before exhaling it slowly through your mouth. You may repeat this several times to help your body calm down.
- Try muscle relaxation and meditation
Anxiety can become worse while you are sitting in the room waiting for your turn. In such a situation, meditation is an essential practice that can help reduce stress and enhance calmness. It will bring into a state of heightened awareness and muscle relaxation even in the dentist’s office. Once you get seated, you should close your eyes and focus on one object and then allow your body to relax entirely by paying attention to different parts of your body and making it conscious to release tension. To help you completely relax, you should meditate before and even during the appointment to remain focused and to relax your body.
- Ask your friend to accompany you
The support you will get from a friend or relative can create a calming effect. You may even ask the dentist if somebody can accompany you during the procedure, even if you can’t talk to the person during the appointment. Only their presence can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe.
Many people are not aware of the fact that they have dental anxiety. It raises a relevant question: How do you know you have dental anxiety? Some people will experience uneasiness before the appointment, and some might have other distracting symptoms such as aggressive behavior, extreme sweating, panic attacks, or even heart palpitations. Dental anxiety can affect adults and children, so you should have adequate coping mechanisms for your next appointment.
Talk to your dentist to get through your next appointment with less fear!
