Children aren’t the only ones afraid to go to the dentist. Many adults have anxieties that convince them to put off bi-annual visits. Although these phobias are real, neglecting your oral health can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums. Poor dental health can also cause physical and emotional problems as you get older. Ultimately, you must learn how to ease your anxieties and do what’s suitable for your health and wellness. Below are some suggestions.
Identify The Cause
The first step to easing your dental phobia is discovering the cause of your fears. Think about what makes you afraid. Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety include:
- Unfamiliarity – If you’ve never been to the dentist before, not knowing what to expect can cause anxiety.
- Previous Trauma – Did you visit the dentist and have a bad experience? Maybe they were too rough when using tools, or the anesthesia wore off during surgery. Whatever the case is, it triggered fear and anxiety that you never want to experience again.
- Stories/Media – Hearing, seeing, or reading about someone else’s experience at the dentist can cause fear and anxiety. Maybe you saw a movie where the dentist mutilated the patient’s mouth. Perhaps your best friend went to a dentist that was rude and aggressive, causing them pain and discomfort. Obviously, you don’t want to go through the same thing, so you avoid the dentist altogether.
Develop A Solution
Once you know where your dental fears are coming from, you can address them head-on. Below are a few suggestions on how to ease dental anxiety.
- Consider The Consequences – Yes, you’re afraid of going to the dentist, but what happens when you neglect your oral health? You can experience bad breath, cavities, tooth decay, tooth loss, infections, gum disease, and heart problems. When you consider the disadvantage of not visiting a dentist, it can encourage you to push past your fears.
- Schedule A Consultation – Visiting a dentist before you receive services can help to reduce your anxiety. Scheduling a consultation with a Chicago Loop dentist, for instance, allows you to tour the examination rooms, talk to the staff, and get to know more about the dentist to ensure you feel comfortable.
- Express Your Fears – Don’t be afraid to let the dentist know that you struggle with anxiety. When you are open and honest about your fears, it enables the dentist to do their jobs more effectively. They can advise their staff to take the necessary precautions and adjust their practices to ease your anxiety.
- Visit Regularly – If you only go to the dentist when you’re in pain, then you’re always going to associate the dentist with negative experiences. By keeping your bi-annual appointments and visiting the dentist regularly, you develop a sense of comfort that helps to put your fears at ease.
- Get Educated – If your negative experience at the dentist was due to an invasive procedure during childhood, educating yourself could relieve your anxiety. Advancements in dentistry have cultivated innovations and new practices that make dental procedures less painful. Knowing this information can help reduce the tension and motivate you to schedule a dental appointment.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques – On the day of your dentist appointment, practice relaxation techniques to naturally reduce stress and anxiety. Try not to engage in activities that are physically and emotionally draining before your appointment. You can also meditate, listen to upbeat music, or read a book while you wait for your appointment. When your mind and body are relaxed, it makes it easier to control your emotions during your visit.
Dentists are commonly associated with knives, needles, drills, and invasive procedures that bring about pain and discomfort. As a result, many people grow up afraid. Unfortunately, neglecting your oral health can have grave consequences on your physical and emotional well-being. So, if you suffer from dental anxiety, it’s vital to find ways to deal with these emotions. Start by identifying the cause, then develop a solution using the suggestions above so that your next dental appointment goes off without a hitch.