3 Ways to Reduce Dental Fear and Anxiety in Adults
Posted on March 7, 2023
Anxiety and general fear of dental is not a rare occurrence. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 36% of patients fear having dental procedures with 3% avoiding the dentist altogether due to anxiety. Let’s take a closer look at a few effective ways to reduce the anxiety and fear that many adults have when it comes to visiting the dentist or orthodontist.
1. Communication
Sometimes it’s enough to talk about your fears for them to dissipate. Your orthodontist and their staff have dealt with this situation before. In fact, as mentioned above, fear and anxiety are perfectly normal when visiting the dentist. Everyone working at your orthodontist office has a few unique techniques to help patients work through their fears. Don’t be afraid to bring up your concerns. You may be surprised by how soon you’re over them! Open communication is an important part of any good doctor-patient relationship. Speaking up about your fears can help to eliminate them.
2. Breathing Exercises
Another effective tool is deep breathing. Utilizing breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. These exercises can also be effective when they are done before your appointment. Visualize yourself in the treatment chair. As you begin to feel nervous and stressed, use breathing exercises to calm yourself. Practicing this technique during the week before your appointment can help it go much more smoothly. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions from the office staff. They have helped many people get through their treatments successfully. Overcoming anxiety is possible with a few helpful tools.
3. Hypnosis
In extreme cases, hypnosis is an effective way to lessen the effects of fear and anxiety. People who are in the group that never go to the dentist or orthodontist because of their fears can often benefit from this treatment. Finding a therapist that provides hypnosis services can help you get back into the habit of good oral health and hygiene. Even if you take diligent care of your teeth, there are times when you need to be seen by a dental health practitioner. If your anxiety is driving you to your wit’s end, it’s worth it to give hypnosis a try.
When it comes to helping our patients manage their anxiety over visiting the orthodontist, we know what to do! We’re here to help you comfortably get the orthodontic care that you need without fear or anxiety. Schedule a consultation today!