7 Strategies for Dealing with Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is extremely common; figures suggest that up to 20% of people actively avoid visiting the dentist because of this sense of unease.
Frequent dental check-ups ensure that potential issues are picked up as early as possible and will help you to maintain healthy teeth and gums which is why, as a professional Petersfield dentist, I will always do everything I can to ease your concerns and assuage any anxiety you may be feeling.
Importantly, anxiety shouldn't prevent you from seeking the oral care you are looking for. So, here are seven proactive strategies you can employ during your next visit to your dental practice.
1. Remember your feelings are valid and aren't unusual
Regardless as to how long it has been since you last visited a dentist, you will never be shamed or judged. My team and I want you to feel comfortable and will do everything in our power to ensure your experience is positive. Whether you’re visiting for a general check-up, specific treatment or you a have an appointment with the hygienist we want to help you to get on top of your oral health.
2. You don’t need to conceal your fear
In fact, we want to know how you’re feeling because then we can take steps to address your concerns. Whether you have had negative experiences with dentists in the past or are worried about pain, the more we understand about how you’re feeling, the better equipped we will be to ensure your experience is a positive one.
3. Make your comfort a priority
You should always feel completely comfortable with your dentist. We will always listen to any concerns you might have and provide as much information as you need to set your mind at ease.
4. Implement calming distractions
From calming music to relaxing fragrances, there are myriad things you might find helpful to reduce your anxiety. So, whether you would like us to put the radio on, or take time to assure you that it’s okay if you would like to take a break during your consultation or treatment, we want to make any adjustments we possibly can to ensure that your time here with us is less challenging.
5. Start with a check-up
During your first appointment, we will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums to determine whether you require any treatments, which will be scheduled for another day. You might also find it helpful to view this first appointment as an opportunity to get to know us. We will be more than happy to do everything we can to put you at ease and ensure that all future visits to our practice feel more manageable.
6. Timing is everything
Scheduling an early morning appointment might help to reduce anxiety because it won’t have the opportunity to build throughout the day. If you know that you will have been seen before 9:30am, you will be free to focus on the rest of your day without having the thought of an afternoon appointment looming over you. Alternatively, you might prefer to schedule an appointment for the end of the working day to ensure that you won’t need to rush to get back to work or attend to any of your other commitments.
7. Implement a regular dental routine
When something feels part of your routine, it can feel more manageable. So, after your first appointment, make sure you schedule your next one and keep it. Although you might be tempted to cancel your appointment if work or family issues arise, try to reschedule it instead. My team will always be more than happy to accommodate your needs.
If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your oral health with one of our professional dentists or hygienists, just call our friendly team on 01730 266 350 and we will be happy to look after you.
