Dental Anxiety: Ways to Stop Fearing the Dentist – Kimberly Rosen DDS

If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt you or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find.
Whatever your reason is, the right dental team will make sure your dental and emotional health will be taken care of. The more you delay- or just don’t go to the dentist, the higher your risk is of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process from making an appointment to sailing through it much easier on many levels.
Use these Strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety :
1. Speak Up. Share your feelings with the dental office. Open up by telling them about any bad experiences you may have had in the past. Ask for suggestions on coping strategies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
2. Distract yourself. Taking your mind off the procedure may seem impossible when you’re nervous but there are things that can help you distract your thoughts. Wear a headphones if the sound of the drill bothers you. Try listening to your favorite music or audio books. Occupy your hands by squeezing a stress ball or by playing with a toy like a fidget spinner.
3. Use mindfulness Techniques. Try breathing exercises to help relax the tension in your muscles.
4. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles by releasing the tension starting from your forehead, cheeks and neck. Imagine your happy place and visualize yourself relaxing on the beach or in your favorite place.
By observing and practicing these strategies, this will help you have a pleasant experience at a dental office.
For any questions or concerns , you may contact the dental practice office of Kimberly A. Rosen DDS @ 661-255-2545.