5 Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety

Suppose you feel nervous about climbing into the dental chair. In that case, you're not alone: Dental phobias and anxieties keep as many as 40 million Americans away from the dentist each year, and with potentially serious oral health consequences. Healthy living starts here. Private individual health insurance plans hand-selected for you by experts in Eugene Health Insurance Agency. Click here to find an affordable plan that's right for you!

In my 25-plus years as a family dentist, I've helped many patients feel at ease in the dental chair so they can receive the treatments and preventive care they need to attain and maintain optimal oral health.

Here at Modern Age Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety may stem from a previous bad experience at the dentist, or a dislike of needles, the sound of the drill, or simply from having work done inside your mouth.

Meet Dr. Gagne, Dental Anxiety Specialist. If you're scared of going to the dentist because of dental anxiety then we have good news for you. Meet Dr. Richard Gagne who specializes in dental anxiety and phobia treatment! Schedule an appointment

Regular dental care is vital.

For most people, biannual or annual cleanings and exams are the cornerstones of optimal oral health and preventive care. These routine visits allow me to spot signs of decay, gum disease, or other problems early and provide treatment before getting worse.

Having regular professional cleanings also helps prevent cavities because our advanced dental equipment removes plaque more effectively than the manual or electric toothbrush you use at home.

We have the expertise and tools to remove tartar and calcified plaque. If tartar is allowed to build up, it can lead to tooth loss and gum disease. 

Here are some tips to help you remain calm when visiting the dentist

While there are many effective strategies for easing your fear and anxiety about the dentist, you need to find the one plan -- or combination of methods -- that works best for you.

Here are some of my best tips for successfully overcoming your dental anxiety to stay calm and relaxed in the chair:

Don't be afraid to share your fears.

Communication is the best way to put your worries to rest. You will express your fears more quickly if you feel that your dentist is doing the best for you.

To remove the fear of the unknown from patients' minds, I always take the time to explain every aspect of treatment to them whenever they tell me they are anxious. You're less likely to feel anxious if you feel in control and inform.

Take someone along

A trusted friend or family member can make all the difference in the exam room, especially if they are calm and reassuring. This works well for anxious children as well as adults who are nervous about the dentist.

Do some self-care before you go.

It will be harder to relax in the chair if you don't get enough rest the night before your visit or consume too much caffeine. A good night's rest before you go to the dentist can help you relax.

Avoid caffeine as it can cause anxiety and make you feel jittery. Sugary foods can make you anxious, so it is best to avoid sugary foods for both children and adults. You can calmly eat a protein-rich snack before you go.

You can also practice deep, slow breathing when you are anxious about your appointment. You can practice controlled breathing in the waiting area and in the chair to reduce stress and panic.

Embrace distraction

This simple strategy works just as well for children as it does for adults. Distraction can be as simple as looking at a television program that faces the chair.

You can listen to calming music via earbuds if you don't want the distraction. It will not only drown out the sounds of the drill, but it can also make you feel more relaxed.

Set your expectations with us

Letting us know about your anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively, but that doesn't mean you'll feel calm through each step of your treatment or exam.

Because we want you to have a good experience in our office, you must let us know if there's a procedure that you're not ready for.

It would help if you didn't force yourself into doing something that you don't like. Instead, we want to spend the time with you to help overcome your anxiety. Do not hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns. __S.54__

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National Dental Foundation Australia is the oldest, largest group representing professional dental assistants. Established over 90 years ago, the NDFA provides continuing education to dental assistants through home study courses, professional journals and local, state and national meetings with educational agendas.