Have you ever been so nervous before a dentist appointment that you couldn’t sleep the night before? You may have even had nightmares about it. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced, then you’re not alone. Most people feel anxious and apprehensive when they think about going to the dentist. There are some things that can help calm your nerves: deep breathing exercises, relaxing baths or showers, reading books for pleasure instead of worrying about what’s wrong with your teeth or mouth, listening to music on headphones while submerged in water, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, and dental sedation.
So, what is the source of your dental anxiety? Dental appointments cause anxiety in people for a variety of reasons. Some people look forward to suffering while others are concerned about being hurried or ignored by their dentist. Negative recollections, as well as the antiseptic scent from old memories, can also provoke an intense feeling before entering the office itself, and breaking one’s routine just compounds things exponentially!
What Can I Do to Calm Down Before Going To The Dentist?
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Deep breathing exercises are a good option.
Deep, steady breaths might help you relax in the present time. To feel calmer and more at ease, do this while waiting for your appointment or sitting on the dentist’s chair. Take a deep breath in through your nose and fill up with air until they’re completely empty of that stale stuff; then count to 8 as you exhale slowly out of your mouth—letting go is easy when it feels so good! Continue breathing deeply until there are no longer any worries floating around inside that headspace.
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Caffeine and sugar should be avoided
You might think dental work is the most unpleasant experience of all. But you don’t have to make it worse with mouth-parching drinks like tea, coffee, or soda. Instead hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water and a cup of herbal tea before your appointment so that when it’s over, your teeth will be feeling refreshingly clean!
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Don’t Be in a Hurry, Take Your Time
Sometimes it’s hard to relax as soon as you get out of the dentist’s chair. But knowing that there are plenty of hours left in your day can help calm nerves and alleviate anxiety about going back into a waiting room for another appointment, even if it’s just an hour later or so.
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Make appointments in the morning
You can avoid the hassle of scheduling a dentist appointment for later in the day by making sure to schedule an early morning one. This will allow you more time during your workday or school day, depending on when it is scheduled. You’ll be able to get through it and then focus on other things that are important!
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Ask someone to accompany you
When you are feeling uneasy or anxious about a dentist appointment, it’s natural to want company. Let your loved one know that the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel uncomfortable and ask if they would like to accompany you during your next visit! You’ll be able to just relax more knowing someone is there for support while listening in on what will take place at this time.
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Check to see whether mild sedation is a viable option
Sedation is a great tool for reducing anxiety. With the help of nitrous oxide, you’ll be able to relax and focus on getting through your dental visit with less pain. You don’t need to worry at all because even if you can’t remember everything that happened during your appointment, it’s still safe!
Are You Looking for a Dentist Who Can Help With Your Dental Anxiety?
Do you worry about going to the dentist? If so, then Balfour Dental in Brentwood is a great place for you. They have over thirty years of experience helping patients with dental anxiety and their services include many different certifications that are top-of-the-line! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as general dentistry. If you are looking to renew your smile, contact Balfour Dental today!
