This article lists techniques for overcoming dental anxiety.
Have you been procrastinating visiting your dentist for the last six months? You might be experiencing dental anxiety. In fact, people who deal with this type of anxiety might put off having dental work done until there are significant dental issues to address. This article lists techniques for overcoming dental anxiety.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing boosts the oxygen in your body, helping to release tension. Breathing deeply can slow your heart rate, relax your muscles, and lower the tension you have in your body. Please start by doing the following:
- Take a deep breath, filling your chest with air, and count slowly to five as you inhale.
- Hold your breath for three seconds, and slowly release your breath for another five seconds.
- As you exhale, imagine yourself blowing out all the upset feelings and tension you have during this appointment.
- Inhale again for five seconds, thinking about drawing relaxation into your body.
- Hold your breath for three seconds, mentally grabbing that peace, and release it once again slowly.
Picture Yourself Having a Signal
The fear of lying in the dentist’s chair, while the dentist completes routine procedures is what keeps many people with dental anxiety away. However, using a hand signal to notify the dentist that your anxiety is increasing can keep your helpless feelings at bay.
Choose and Visualize a Soothing Memory
Another technique for overcoming dental anxiety is to learn to use your imagination to escape the dentist’s office. Where is your favorite place in the world? Have you recently had a vacation or a relaxing evening at home? Go back to that memory. How does it feel to be there? What could you smell and experience? Remember that place while you are at the dentist and include as many details about the event as possible.
Relax Your Muscles
Do you feel tightness in your stomach or tension in your back before a dentist appointment? All of these can be muscular manifestations of dental anxiety. As you lie in the dentist’s chair, flex the muscles intentionally and focus on relaxing them. The idea is to release a small amount of muscle tension and relax each muscle group. Don’t rush this process; allow the tension to seep away.
Transform Your Smile with Annapolis Dental Care
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. Please give us a call at 410-267-0766 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!