From the moment you walk through the door, your comfort is our top priority. At Smile Dental Center, we believe that a positive patient experience is just as important as clinical excellence. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, our welcoming team is here to make you feel cared for, relaxed and heard. We take the time to listen, explain your options and tailor every appointment to meet your unique needs, because great dental care starts with trust! Book an appointment with us today.
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Research published in the Journal of Dentistry reveals that about 15 percent of adults worldwide report moderate dental anxiety, while three percent experience severe dental fear.
These feelings are especially common among women and young adults, but dental anxiety impacts more than how you feel. It can lead to delayed care, worsening oral health, and an increased risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth pain. Does this sound familiar? Instead of skipping your next cleaning or ignoring that persistent ache, discover Smile Dental Center’s expert-approved strategies to ease dental anxiety before your visit.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental phobia or odontophobia describes the fear of any kind of dental care. Included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it applies to people who:
- Previously experienced trauma at the dentist
- Are triggered by certain procedures or dental instruments
- Avoid criticism – in this case, of their dental health or oral care routine
To successfully address dental anxiety, a patient should disclose these fears to their dentist who can help develop adaptive strategies to remain calm throughout their appointment.
Tips to Tackle Dental Anxiety Head-On
Relax your mind and body, avoid stimulants and recognize when you may need assistance.
Practice Deep Breathing and Muscle Relaxation
Slow, deep breaths and releasing tense muscles can help lower your heart rate while creating a natural distraction:
- Inhale for 4 to 5 seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale for eight seconds. Repeat this pattern to decrease your stress levels before the start of your appointment.
- Tighten and release each muscle group as you sit in a quiet corner of the waiting room. Begin with your feet and toes, then work up toward your neck, jaw and head.
Give Yourself a Distraction
To take your mind off the appointment:
- Listen to music or a podcast
- Squeeze a stress ball
- Interact with a spinner, popper or other fidget toy
- Have a friend or family member come along
Tell the Dentist About Your Concerns
Let us know how you’re feeling! We can make accommodations to ensure you feel comfortable, like:
- Talking about what to expect, including what we do and the instruments we use.
- Alerting you before we start work. We might count down before cleaning your teeth.
- Offering breaks if you feel anxious or overwhelmed during the appointment.
- Recommending and safely administering medication to calm your nerves.
Give Yourself Time
Avoid rushing through traffic and dashing breathless into the dental office. Your mind and body won’t be relaxed and may tense up as you walk to the front desk. Instead, make a plan:
- Schedule your visit for a low-stress day, preferably with few errands and places to be.
- If you may require sedation, make time to relax and recover after your appointment.
- Bring a friend or family member for moral support and to drive you home.
- Limit food and drinks that heighten your anxiety or quicken your pulse.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment so you have time to relax and unwind.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Caffeine and sugary foods bring the jitters, so it’s best to skip them the day of your appointment:
- Begin the day with a neutral meal – nothing too sweet or spicy and a glass of water.
- For a pick-me-up, substitute your usual coffee or tea with a decaffeinated version.
- Stick to foods with a calming effect, like mint or lavender tea or a comforting soup.
Keep Up With Routine Dental Care
Regular teeth cleanings and X-rays allow your dentist to address concerns before they require more invasive intervention. Booking appointments every six months let your dentist scrape away plaque, fill in emerging cavities and treat early-stage gum issues. You also have the opportunity to get tips for more effective at-home care.
Regular dental appointments:
- Help control inflammatory factors that can lead to uncomfortable, bleeding gums.
- Catch a cracked, damaged or compromised tooth before it requires a root canal.
- Allow your dentist to inspect your mouth fully, including for oral cancer.
- Connect teeth with the rest of your health. A dentist may be the first person to spot type 2 diabetes or heart disease symptoms.
You deserve a dental experience that puts your comfort first. Let us know your concerns when scheduling and we’ll do everything we can to help you feel confident and relaxed!