There are a number of reasons why many people avoid getting proper dental care. One of them is dental anxiety, which can affect both children and adults. If you experience intense fear before dental appointments, you are not alone. There are effective ways to ease your dental anxiety so you can have excellent oral health.
Dental Anxiety Is Real
Dental anxiety may sound like a sham to some people, but it’s a real and serious thing. Dental phobia and dental anxiety affect many kids and adults, and it’s understandable why. It isn’t fun going to the dentist getting your mouth probed and prodded. There are also the needles used for injections, which is another source of fear for many people during the following procedures:
From pain to general embarrassment, there are a few things that could make one anxious about going to the dentist. The easiest solution would be to ask your dentist to relax you through sedation. Sedation dentistry can be a viable solution for many suffering from dental anxiety. A dental phobia comes with real physical effects, which include symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Faster pulse
- Muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping
- Feelings of nervousness
- Intense uneasiness, and others
These are real, and acknowledging that these feelings are valid is an important step in easing dental anxiety. Apart from that acceptance, there are techniques that can help you cope.
Ways to Cope with Dental Anxiety
Compared to adults, kids have a more difficult time expressing emotions, including fears. Often, they will lash out, feel nervous, or generally avoid going to the dentist. Some also have trouble sleeping before their appointment. Some dental clinics offer special dental services to help both kids and adults with dental anxiety.
Specialty services can help, but so can many valuable tips to make your next trip to the dentist more pleasant.
Take Your Kids to the Dentist Early On
Your dental anxiety likely stemmed from when you were a child. It could be because you heard many terrible things about the dentist. Either way, taking your kids to the dentist enables them to become familiar with the experience. This will help ease their anxiety over going to the dentist down the road.
Model a Relaxed Behavior at the Dentist
You may not realize it, but you can transfer your fears and anxiety. That means that if you were nervous about going to the dentist, your kids or other family members might feel the same way. By adopting a more positive attitude and believing there is nothing to be afraid of, you can ease their anxiety.
Speak Up About Your Anxiety
Sharing your fears with others can provide some relief for dental anxiety. One of the best ways to get your concerns off your chest is by communicating them. Don’t be afraid to tell your dentist and his dental team about your anxiety. Rest assured, your dentist is ready to help, whether through coping strategies or sedation dentistry.
Try Some Coping Strategies
Besides sedation and special dental services, you can also try distracting yourself. Some of these things you can do to ease your fear of the dentist include:
- Wearing headphones to block the sounds of the dental procedures
- Squeezing a stress ball or playing with a fidget spinner to keep your hands occupied
- Visualizing you are in a happy or safe place like a garden or a beach
- Counting your breaths, slowly inhaling and exhaling each time
- Doing a body scan and other mindfulness techniques
Help Is Available at Splendid Dental Atascocita
Dental anxiety is a real issue that we understand. If you or your child fears going to the dentist, we stand by to help. Call Splendid Dental Atascocita at 713-244-7790 to learn more or to schedule your next appointment today.
There are a number of reasons why many people avoid getting proper dental care. One of them is dental anxiety, which can affect both children and adults. If you experience intense fear before dental appointments, you are not alone. There are effective ways to ease your dental anxiety so you can have excellent oral health.
