5 Ways to Calm Your Dental Visit Anxiety & Fears

Scheduling, preparing for and sticking to any health-related appointment can naturally drum up anxiety for many of us. It’s not lost on us that trying to resume “normal” ways of life during a pandemic can heighten these feelings.

Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, facing a reality you’ve been trying to ignore, or just the typical adrenaline that comes with entering an office space, it’s okay to have feelings of uncertainty. That being said, we’re committed to making your dental visit as smooth and carefree as possible. We take pride in ensuring that you feel comfortable leading up to, during and after your appointment and are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. For a more detailed look at how we’re managing visits in the wake of coronavirus, please check out our COVID-19 Protocol page for all recent updates & information.

Here are 5 ways that you can calm your anxiety and quell your fears before you take a seat in our chair that cares:

1. Be Open: We promote a welcoming atmosphere and a judgment-free zone. It’s important that you understand that we want you to be open and clear about your fears and concerns. The more we know, the more effectively we can assist. Our number one priority is your health and safety, as well as your comfort.
2. Plan Ahead: We would recommend scheduling your appointment on a day where you expect to be less busy in your own personal and professional life. When time seems like it’s not on your side or when external stressors come into play, these factors can negatively impact the physical state of your body and can exacerbate anxiety that already exists. But, if you plan your appointment on a day where you’re not going to be running around or in a rush to get somewhere post-visit, then you can allow your body more time to relax.
3. Engage in Relaxation Techniques: You know yourself best. And the same way that you can easily identify stressors that may trigger your anxiety, you can likely also determine techniques that can help you to calm your mind and body. For some people, this may mean practicing deep breathing, meditation or yoga; while for others, body relaxation can mean going for a walk, taking a hot shower, drinking a cup of tea or reading a book. 
4. Be Mindful: This may seem similar to relaxation, but what we mean here is to be mindful of what you’re putting into your body prior to your appointment; i.e. which foods and liquids you’re consuming. If you opt for a cup of coffee versus a glass of water prior to your visit, then you’re likely to be more jittery and you may experience a stronger impact on your nerves. We’d recommend avoiding foods with high sugars or caffeine altogether and, instead, choose a beverage with calming properties, like a non-caffeinated tea.
5. Visit Regularly: By skipping or rescheduling appointments, you create more distance between yourself and dental knowledge you deserve. If you make a solid attempt to keep up with your 6-month checkups, then you’ll likely experience fewer unknowns and will come to know what to expect when you arrive at your visit. By allowing yourself to engage in a more regular routine, you may find that you’re more at ease. 

We understand that you may be feeling self-conscious or insecure about your teeth or your oral health in general. However, let us remind you that our job isn’t to critique your oral health, but rather to provide high-quality care and expertise that will result in proper treatment of issues while helping you to regain confidence and ensuring that your mouth & teeth are as healthy as they can be!