If the thought of visiting the dentist or undergoing a dental procedure causes feelings of fear or anxiety, you are not alone. In fact, up to 75% of American adults report having some degree of anxiety about visiting the dentist. 10%-15% of people have a great deal of fear — so much so, that it prevents them from having any dental treatment at all.
You know that taking care of your health is important, but putting off your dental check-up could lead to more painful problems down the line, such as gum infections and jaw pain. Regular preventative care, including regular exams, teeth cleaning, and dental x-rays will mean less likelihood of these painful problems developing.
Here are some tips to help manage your dental anxiety so you can keep your oral health in tip-top shape and have a smile you are proud to show off:
1. Talk to us!: Let us know that you are anxious about your visit and if there is anything specific that can make you more comfortable. Even better, let the receptionist know when you schedule your appointment that you are nervous so we will be sure your concerns at your first visit. You should never be embarrassed about your dental anxiety. We are used to people being anxious and are here to help. Simple things such as having a signal that you need to stop and take a break, or holding the suction may make you feel more in control and less anxious. By understanding your exact fears, Dr. Berry can work with you to make your appointment as relaxed as possible. Our patients often say that their fears were worse than the actual procedure, and that if they’d only known what to expect they would have been less anxious.
2. Start Small: Starting with a short appointment may help relieve some of your anxiety. Often your first visit will be for an examination, so don’t worry that you will have to have a filling or any other treatment on the first day. This is a chance for you to get to know Dr. Berry and to come up with a plan to get your mouth healthy. By letting us know about your anxiety, we can start with a small procedure to get you acclimated to the process and gradually work up to longer appointments if needed.
3. Avoid Unneeded Stress: In order to minimize your anxiety before and during a dental appointment, avoid unnecessary stress on the day of the appointment. Schedule your appointment on a day when you do not have to worry about work or personalobligations. If possible, make your appointment on a day that you do not have to work at all, so you don’t have to rush to and from your dental visit. Often, early morning appointments work well for those who are anxious so you don’t spend all day thinking about your upcoming visit.
4. Practice relaxation techniques: Distracting yourself before and during your dental appointment with something you enjoy can help decrease your dental anxiety. Taking deep, calming breaths while you are preparing for your appointment can also be helpful. Listening to music or an audiobook during your dental procedure can help keep your mind off the procedure.
5. Change your attitude: Instead of dwelling on your fears, switch your focus to the positive of outcomes of visiting the dentist. Thoughts such as “My breath will be much better once my gum disease is treated” or “Once my front tooth is fixed I will be able to smile with confidence” can really alter to your frame of reference and decrease your anxiety. Saying these positive affirmations out loud will make them even more effective. It may sound silly but it really does work!
We are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 207-465-7300 or click here to have us contact you.
Check out this article and others by Dr. Berry, Denise and Laura every month in the Lakes Region Reader and Two Cent Times.
