Dental Anxiety: What to do if You're Afraid of the Dentist

Dental anxiety is a real struggle for all too many people. Fears of extreme pain or of something going wrong while in the dentist’s chair prevent some people from ever being able to bring themselves to visit a dentist. This stops them from receiving the dental care they need in order to have strong, healthy teeth throughout the course of their lives.

What’s even worse is the neglecting proper dental care can lead to worse issues in the long run. Not only do you risk tooth decay and gum disease, but also other health complications like heart problems have been linked to poor dental hygiene.

If you are finally ready to overcome your dental anxiety and go see a dentist for routine care, here are a few things you can do.

Opt for Holistic Care

These days there are more options for dental care than the traditional ones you might have grown up with. Holistic approaches to various aspects of healthcare have become more commonplace, and for those who have a fear of the dentist, Natural Dentistry might be just the ticket.

Generally speaking, holistic care is less invasive than traditional medical care, and so it might be a better option for those who are afraid of the dentist. The atmosphere of a holistic dental practice might also be more relaxing and inviting for those with dental anxiety. The most important thing is to be completely honest with your dentist about your fears and misgivings so that they can provide tailored care for you that is geared towards alleviating your anxiety.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene

It is common knowledge that the best way to have healthy teeth is to practice a good daily care routine. Neglecting to do so can lead to cavities and other issues that would require more intensive intervention from a dentist. If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, then the last thing you need to do is make matters worse for yourself.

If you are able to take care of your teeth, then you shouldn’t need to see the dentist any more than the recommended biannual visits. Cavity fillings and root canals can require further dental visits, though, so be sure to do what you can to keep your teeth healthy.

Find What Works For You

When you do go to the dentist, there are number of things you might be able to do in order to relax a bit more. Firstly, always be honest about your fears. It might be worth talking to a close friend or family member and seeing if they would be willing to accompany you to your appointment.

If you would like to go it alone, consider asking your dentist if you could play some relaxing music throughout the duration of your appointment. Some dental practices even have televisions in their patient care rooms, so you might be able to turn on your favorite program to distract yourself. Always do ample research before dropping by a dentist for the best services. What would be helpful would be searching for well-known dentists, like this reputable oral surgeon massapequa ny if it’s your first time finding a dentist for yourself.