Does the thought of going to the dentist terrify you? Would you like to face your dental fears but do not know where to start?
Almost twenty percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist. This number is significant because when you miss teeth cleanings and treatments, it can have a huge impact on your quality of life. It has also led to the loss of teeth, tooth decay, and gum disease.
If you are scared of the dentist but need treatment, then you have come to the right place! Read below to learn how to get over dental anxiety so you will always feel relaxed in the dentist’s chair!
Different Types of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is extreme fear or panic anytime you are in a dental setting. Here are a few types of dental-related fears that people experience:
- Fear of needles
- Fear of the drill
- Fear of pain
- Embarrassed about bad teeth
This list of scenarios shows what can cause a person extreme anxiety at the dentist and what can cause a person to be scared to go to the dentist. If you want to get over your fears, you must get to the root of the problem.
What Is the Root of the Problem?
Did you experience a traumatic experience at the dentist as a child? Or did a dentist make a mistake, leaving you with extreme mouth pain? These situations can cause you to feel dental anxiety anytime you think about going to the dentist.
Have an honest look at the reasons why you get anxious anytime you think about going to the dentist. When you acknowledge your fear of the dentist and look at the source of your anxiety, it can help you work towards finding a solution.
How to Get Over Dental Anxiety
The first step in getting over dental anxiety is to choose a dentist who is willing to listen to you and acknowledge your fears. You need to feel comfortable with them, so an initial consultation where they address your concerns which can do a lot to ease your fears.
In addition, it might be helpful to take someone with you to your next dental appointment. If you have a friend there to hold your hand and calm your nerves, it can be quite comforting and make you feel more relaxed in the dentist’s chair.
You can also try different techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises. This will enable you to take the focus off of being at the dentist, which will relax your mind and reduce your anxiety.
If you have tried each of these suggestions and still are not seeing a decrease in your anxiety levels, consider talking to a professional. They will help you find the source of your fears so that you can get rid of your dental anxiety once and for all!
You Can Overcome Dental Anxiety!
Never feel scared to visit the dentist again! Our guide has provided steps on how to get over dental anxiety the right way. And if you take our advice, you will be flashing your pearly whites in no time!
Sloan Creek Dental center can provide preventive care to their patients by making sure that they are removing plaque and excess tartar buildup every day. One way they do this is by scraping the teeth with a special instrument called a scaler or periodontal probe.
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