Tips for Coping with Dental Anxiety

Some studies show that over 80 percent of their participants have some level of dental anxiety. Of those, up to 16 percent have a dental phobia. Fear of the dentist keeps many people from getting the treatments they need to keep their teeth healthy. However, there are many ways to cope with dental anxiety.

Getting Help Coping with Anxiety

Our dentist at Poplar Dental can help you deal with dental anxiety when you visit them for a routine examination, cleaning, or other procedures. However, you can do things to cope before and during a dental appointment in Calgary, AB as well.

Tell Your Dentist

To get help coping with your fears, talk to our dentist near you. Along with using laughing gas to relax you, they can teach you techniques to cope with your anxiety. Come up with a signal to let the dentist know you need a break during a procedure to calm down. Also, tell Dr. Perry if you experience any discomfort despite using sedation during a procedure.

Wear Headphones to the Appointment

The sound of the dental drill triggers many people’s anxiety. To keep from hearing it, wear headphones to listen to music or an audiobook while our dentist in Calgary, AB, works on your teeth. Many dentists offer headphones for listening to music or hearing the television in the exam room.

Relax Before Appointment

Before arriving at the dentist’s and getting into the chair, take deep, relaxing breaths, meditate, or listen to relaxing music as you drive to your appointment. While you’re in the chair, you can continue to listen to music or relax your body, one muscle group at a time.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Try not to wear constricting clothing when you go to see Dr. Perry. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to help you relax. Tight clothing or your work attire can make you feel more anxious because you may worry about getting them dirty, or you can’t get comfortable in the chair, which can increase your anxiety.

If you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, do everything you can to relax before going to Poplar Dental to see our dentist in Calgary, AB. Use these tips and your dentist’s advice to relax during your appointments with Dr. Perry.