Attending routine dental appointments is essential if you wish to create a healthy dental routine. Although it helps to brush twice a day, avoid too much sugar, and use floss, seeing a dental expert will guarantee the utmost health for your teeth and gums.
Many people dislike attending the dentist and the fear surrounding the appointment causes anxiety. If you wish to minimize this stress and ensure you see your dentist for maximum oral health, here are some tips.
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Use sedation
A sedation dentistry expert will ensure you can knock your dental anxiety on the head. You will not need to stay awake for the procedure. Instead, you can rest assured you will have a relaxing sleep and not need to experience the trauma that causes you a lot of stress.
Although you will stil need to attend the appointment and have the procedure done (for the sake of your health), you will no longer need to experience the anxiety.
Take someone with you
Another smart way to calm dental anxiety is to take someone with you.
Taking someone with you might help distract you and take your mind off of the appointment. Plus, they can be there to hold your hand while you sit in the dentist's chair to help relax you.
Use music or podcasts
If you cannot or do not wish to take someone with you, it can help to take another distraction such as music or a podcast. Being able to listen to something while waiting and in the appointment can help to take your mind off of things.
If music or podcasts do not help, consider taking anything that helps to soothe and relax you. You could take a toy, newspaper, book, or knitting tools to help pass the time while waiting to be seen.
Book at a comfortable time for you
If you know that waiting all day for your appointment will cause more anxiety, book it early in the morning.
Booking your appointments for a time that suits you will ensure you can feel the most prepared and relaxed so that you do not need to work yourself up during the day.
Make the dentist aware of your anxiety
It is a good idea to make the dentist aware of your anxiety. When they know how you feel, they can do their best to make you feel relaxed,
The dentist will support you and be patient throughout the process so that you feel comfortable, as well as feel encouraged to return to keep on top of your oral health.
Find someone who understands you
It is great if you can find a dentist and dental practice that understands your fear. A family dentist is often the best place to go as they will want to care for you and ensure you are comfortable during all parts of the process.
Ensure to talk to them and let them know exactly how you feel so they can do anything to calm you and make the experience comfortable and stress-free.
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