Dental anxiety is more common than you may think. In fact, about 36% of Americans have some level of stress associated with the dentist. Whether your fear of the dental office is due to a negative past experience, fear of needles, or reading an online horror story, you have nothing to worry about. Just because Halloween is approaching doesn’t mean that you need to be fearful of your upcoming visit. There are steps you can take to reduce your anxiety while you’re at the dental office so you can get the essential care you need to keep your smile healthy!

Why Should You Face Your Fears of the Dental Office?

If you have been putting off your dental cleanings and checkups, or you’re delaying a dental procedure, you are leaving your smile vulnerable to damage. This means increasing your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health issues. When you miss dental visits, you are increasing the likelihood of needing emergency dental treatment. By seeing your dentist on a regular basis and addressing issues early on, your visits will be met with less bad news. You could even end up spending less time in the dental chair in the long run because there will be fewer issues to correct.

How Can You Reduce Anxiety During Your Dental Visits?

Here are some steps that numerous patients with dental anxiety find helpful for a more relaxing dental treatment:

• Listen to Music: Ask your dentist if you can listen to music during your treatment. For some patients, the sound of dental instruments triggers anxiety, so relaxing music can help to crown it out.
• Remember to Breathe: This may sound silly, but many anxious patients forget to breathe when they are stressed. Practice some breathing exercises to stay calm.
• Schedule Your Appointment Mindfully: Don’t schedule your dental visit for your busiest day of the week. Try to pick a more laid-back day so you have fewer things to worry about.
• Communicate: If you get anxious during your dental visits, let your dental team know! Dental fear is very common, so they will understand. If there is anything they can do to make you feel more comfortable, just ask.
• Ask for a Step-by-Step Rundown: Some people feel less stressed when they know what’s going on. If this sounds like you, ask your dentist if they can talk you through what they are doing.

Even during the spooky season, you shouldn’t have to stress about going to the dentist. Try taking some of the steps listed above. This way, you can receive the essential care you need to show off a healthy, happy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 15 years. She earned her dental doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. If you have dental anxiety, she would be happy to help you get treatment in a welcoming, friendly office environment. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Lakeville, visit her website or call (508) 947-5717.