Feeling anxious leading up to your next dental appointment? It’s natural. Dental anxiety affects up to 36% of people of all ages. However, regular dental visits and cleanings are essential to your overall health.
At Janz Family Dental, we want to make your visits as relaxing as possible. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 7 simple ways to calm dental anxiety and get you relaxed in the dentist’s chair.
Tips for Calming Your Dental Anxiety
- Communicate Your Concerns
If you’re nervous about your appointment, don’t hesitate to tell your dentist. Explain that you suffer from dental anxiety so they can better understand your concerns.
At Janz Family Dental, we have strategies that can make the process less stressful. Our dental experts will walk you through the procedure or routine cleaning so you know what to expect every step of the way.
- Plan Ahead
To calm your dental anxiety, schedule your appointment for a time when you’re less likely to be stressed or rushed. At Janz Family Dental, we offer extended evening and weekend appointments to suit your schedule and comfort level. Arriving early is another good strategy as it will allow your body to relax and adjust to the space.
- Watch What You Eat
Prior to your appointment, avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine, as they are likely to increase your nervousness. Opt for a caffeine-free beverage with calming properties such as camomile tea.
- Practice Meditation
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or guided imagery can help to calm dental anxiety. Focus on your body and allow it to completely relax.
Deep breathing is essential for staying calm — close your eyes or focus on a fixed image as you inhale and exhale slowly. You can also visualize your happy place or focus on a favourite memory to create a sense of calm during your visit.
- Distraction
Distractions in the dentist’s chair can be a helpful way to ease anxiety and make your visit more comfortable. Before your appointment, ask if you can watch TV or a movie during your cleaning or procedure. You may also want to bring headphones to listen to music, an audiobook, or your favourite podcast.
- Bring a Friend
Having a friend or family member nearby can help reduce anxiety during your dental visit. Ask your dentist if someone can accompany you in the treatment room for added comfort. Simply having a friend or family member close by can make you feel safe, comfortable, and more relaxed throughout the appointment.
- Medication
For more extreme cases of dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about medication options that can help you feel more at ease. Analgesics, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), can help relax you during the procedure. Short-acting anti-anxiety medication can also help to reduce your stress.
Ask your dentist about conscious sedation. It can significantly reduce your anxiety — to the point that you may even have a nap — without the nasty side effects of general anaesthesia. For severe cases, you may consider general anaesthesia. Discuss your options with your dentist to determine the best way to calm your dental anxiety.
Calming Dental Anxiety in West Edmonton
At Janz Family Dental, we understand that dental anxiety is a normal occurrence. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming and relaxing environment designed to put you at ease.
Since 1993, we’ve been providing Edmonton families with quality dental services. For added convenience, we offer extended evening and weekend hours to suit your busy schedule.
Your dental comfort is important to us. Reach out today to book your next appointment and discuss methods for calming your dental anxiety.
