5 Ways To Beat Dentist-Related Anxiety

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Nobody likes going to the dentist, but there are some of us that really dislike going to the dentist, so much so that it causes them severe anxiety. And because going to the dentist is something that is unavoidable, you should try to overcome these fears if you have them. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to overcome your fears of the dentist and some of them are very easy to implement. 

1. Tell your dentist about your fears

If you are someone who has a fear of the dentist or dental procedures, you should tell your dentist before your next visit. Most dentists are used to some of their patients being a bit fearful of the dentist, so they will try to make you as comfortable as possible when you come for a visit. If your dentist is aware of your phobia, they can do what they need to do before your visit so that you don’t feel so bad about being scared. 

2. Do some research

If you are not happy with your current dentist or you feel as though they do not take your fears seriously, you should look for a new dentist who you feel more comfortable with. There are usually lots of dentists around city and suburban areas, so you should be able to find someone who will be more suited to your needs. Looking at reviews for some of the best dentists in your area can help you to find a new dentist who will be able to look after you when you need dental care. At Putney Dental, we are experts in Children’s Dentistry and we are great at look after people who are anxious about going to the dentist, so we know how to look after people who do not like to go to the dentist.

3. Try some relaxation techniques

If you want to feel less anxious when you go to the dentist, you try to learn some relaxation techniques to make you feel calmer. Even employing a few breathing techniques can make a big difference. This is because when you slow down your breathing, your muscles will start to relax and your heartbeat will slow down, so you won’t feel as wound up as you would if you were breathing short and fast. Another thing that you can do to help you relax at the dentist is to use the muscle relaxation technique. This involves you focusing on different muscles throughout your body and trying to slowly release the tension from each part of the body. This can make you feel more relaxed and it will also distract you from what is happening in your mouth so that you feel less anxious.  

4. Practice good oral hygiene

If you don’t like going to the dentist, it is extremely important to practice good oral hygiene. This is because people who practice good oral hygiene often have fewer problems with their teeth and gums than people who do not look after their oral health. Most dentists recommend that you visit their practice at least once to twice a year for a quick check-up, but people who have serious dental problems may need to see their dentist more often. So if you want to avoid going to the dentist at all costs, you need to look after your teeth and gums! Daily brushing and flossing is the best way to keep your mouth healthy, but it is important to get a dental check-up annually, even if you are scared of the dentist. 

5. Ask to be medicated

If you really don’t think that you can handle a dental treatment at your dentist but something needs to be done, you should ask to be medicated so that you can feel comfortable getting the procedure done. You can ask for some nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”, which will help you to relax during a procedure or if you are really concerned, you can ask for IV sedation, which is when you are put to sleep and the dentist can attend to your teeth and gums without any fuss. At Putney Dental, our specialists will often perform Twilight Dentistry, where you are not completely unconscious, so that they can still access your mouth without disrupting you in the process. Also, with this method, you won’t experience any pain, which is another bonus for most patients. 

Summary

Of course, it is normal to be a little bit worried about going to the dentist, but you shouldn’t feel nervous about your next visit if you practice good oral hygiene and look after your teeth and gums. At Putney Dental, our specialists are highly skilled and are very accommodating to all patients, so you should not feel scared to come to the dentist.

For more information on how we can look after you, call Putney Dental Care on 02 9808 2588 and book in your consultation today.

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