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Sedation Dentistry Can Help. See How

Overcoming dental fear is important for your health

You can accumlate gum disease and premature tooth loss if you avoid the dentist. It can also affect your overall health, and we don't want that! Several studies have proven that poor oral health can link to conditions such as heart disease and lung infections.

How to overcome your dental anxiety

We all need to care of our teeth. Having healthy teeth and gums are important for your whole body and staying healthy. Plus, don't you want to show off your pearly whites?

These are some ways to overcome anxiety on visiting the dentist. Your dentist can provide more helpful tips to make you feel comfortable.

1. We want to talk to you

Talk to your hygienist, dentist and dental team about how you feel. Tell them about your worries when you schedule an appointment and arrive to your visit. It helps us to know how you feel so we can take better care of you. 

2. Give us a safe signal

Make a signal — a thumbs down sign, tap on the arm — that you can do if you are not feeling comfortable and need a break. Being in control of when your dentist or hygienist starts and stops treatment can help reduce your stress and anxiety.

3. Don't forget to breathe!

We often hold our breath when we are tense and don't even realize it! Holding your breath increases you stress level and lowers your oxygen amount , so try to stay focused on taking slow, deep breaths. 

4. Conduct a body check

Are you hands in a tight fist? Did you curl your toes? From head to toe, focus on relaxing your muscles.

5. Plan your appointment

If you schedule your visit in the middle of a busy week, the additional stress will make everything worse. Visit on a weekend or at night when you won't be rushed to make the appointment.

You can also sleep through your dental procedure

When talking to your dentist about your fears and anxiety, your dentist might suggest a sedative to help you stay calm. There are a range of options from a mild sedative like laughing gas to a stronger sedative that will put you right to sleep.

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These are five signs that you may suffer from dental anxiety or phobia

  • Challenges going to sleep the night before a dental appointment
  • Nerves building while you’re in the waiting room
  • Feeling physically sick and wanting to cry just thinking about the dentist
  • Panicked or unable to breathe normally when you sit in a dentist chair
  • Stressing about a dental tool in your mouth
  • Purposefully avoiding dental check-ups out of fear and anxiety