One of the reasons that almost every early-childhood cartoon features a “don’t be afraid of the dentist” episode is that dental anxiety is so incredibly common. Kids have it, teens have, it adults have it. Dental anxiety can affect everyone and make it really difficult to do what you need to – make it to those incredibly important dental appointments. Read on for some great tips to help calm your dental anxiety.
Be Honest
Tell your dentist about your anxiety a head of time, and if it is really bad have them note it in your chart. Once you get to the appointment, go ahead and remind them that you’re very anxious. It sometimes helps to have the dentist explain exactly what is going to happen, even if it is a procedure you’ve done before.
Clear Your Day
Don’t fill your entire day with other things in an effort to keep your mind off the appointment – it will only result in your feeling rushed and nervous and even more overwhelmed. Limit your other commitments before the appointment so you don’t have to rush don’t schedule things right after so you can take some time to relax.
Limit Caffeine And Sugar
Most dentists would advice limiting these two items anyway, but it is especially true on the day of your appointment. Having extra sugar and caffeine in your system can make you more jittery and nervous than you would be anyway without it, making it even harder to calm down at the appointment. Stick to water instead.
Don’t Skip Appointments
When your nerves are getting the best of you, it is tempting to just skip the thing that is hard to do – don’t. Putting of the appointments just makes it worse when you finally get around to it. Take it slow if you need to, but get to the appointments and you will likely see that your fear was making things worse than they actually are. The appointments are also an important part of your dental health routine.
Consider Medication
In cases where you really cannot relax enough to get to or through the appointment, your doctor or dentist might prescribe medication to help (especially in an emergency dental situation). In most cases, this is a medication that you take before heading to the appointment, and it is designed to ease your anxiety and make it easier for you to get through the appointment.
Catonsville Dental Care is The Best Choice for Your Dental Health
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.