How To Overcome Dental Anxiety – Our Top Tips And Advice

Dental anxiety is extremely common. Around 50% to 80% of people report some level of fear and discomfort when going to the dentist, according to one study. In some people, this may be minor. But in others, dental anxiety can prevent them from getting routine cleanings, fillings, and other treatments that are essential for their oral health. Let’s talk about dental anxiety.

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What Is Dental Anxiety, And What Are The Signs And Symptoms?

Dental anxiety is when you have a reaction of fear, nervousness, anxiety, discomfort, and stress related to dentistry. It can be as minor as higher stress levels & increased heart rate all the way to panic attacks and fainting. No matter what it is, Dr. Mita has seen it before.

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Admitting Your Dental Anxiety And Acknowledging It Is The First Step

Having dental anxiety is normal. There are a lot of people who don’t like going to the dentist, and having a severe reaction to seeing a dentist is more common than you might think. You are not alone! Admitting that you’re anxious is the first step toward overcoming it.

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Ways To Cope With Dental Anxiety – Our Top Tips

Everyone is different, so keep this in mind when you try these coping mechanisms. Here are a few top ways that you may be able to reduce and cope with dental anxiety at your appointment:

Identify your triggers and the causes of your anxiety – Are you embarrassed about your teeth? Do you hate needles or the sound of dental drills? Do you fear the lack of control associated with medical procedures like dentistry? Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to think about it and determine what makes you feel nervous or uncomfortable.

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Distract yourself during your appointment – Watching a show or listening to music or a podcast is a great way to take your mind off your appointment, and stay more comfortable.
Try breathing exercises – Deep breathing helps you focus on something other than your procedure, and it can also help lessen stress and anxiety. Focus on taking deep, full breaths throughout your appointment.

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Find the right dentist – Working with a friendly, welcoming dental team is essential if you have dental anxiety. It’s a lot easier to get the dental care you need in a safe, non-threatening environment.

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How Dentists Can Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety

There are lots of ways that dentists can help you cope with anxiety and get the treatment you need for a healthy mouth:

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Discuss triggers and reasons for anxiety – Dr. Jethwani is always happy to hear about your triggers and experiences you’ve had with dentists in the past, and work with you to develop a plan to overcome them.
Provide a comfortable, relaxed environment – Nobody likes feeling out of place or intimidated. Not all dentists are the same, so find a dentist with a friendly team, a welcoming environment, and plenty of amenities to keep you feeling comfortable.
Use sedation to keep you calm and comfortable – Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for patients with dental anxiety. With sedation, you can relax throughout your appointment, or even forget most of your procedure, depending on your sedation method.

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Do You Have Dental Anxiety? Get The Care You Need At Trooth & Smiles

All are welcome at Trooth & Smiles. If you’re anxious about getting dental treatment, we’re here to help you get the expert care you need in Irvine. Dr. Jethwani and our team cater to patients from all walks of life, and our office is a 100% judgment-free zone. We’re here to help, not to make you feel bad about your oral health or your dental anxiety. Book online now or give us a call at (949) 346-9696 to schedule your appointment.