5 Ways to Cope With Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common issue many people face. You may fear pain, embarrassment, or a loss of control. A negative experience at any point in your life could have left you with lasting worries and doubts that stop you from making that all-important appointment.

But avoiding dental care can significantly impact your oral health, leading to further complications in the future. Ignoring mild sensitivity or toothache could cause infections, abscesses, and loss of teeth.

Fortunately, there are several ways to overcome your phobias. With the support of Kreate Dental, we can help you feel at ease, allowing you to enjoy good oral health again.

Here are five of the most effective ways to cope with dental anxiety.

1. Communicate Your Fears To Your Dentist

The first step in overcoming dental anxiety is to talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. At Kreate Dental, we’ll always listen and work with you to ensure you have a comfortable experience.

Knowing what you’re specifically afraid of can help us find ways to adjust your treatment so you feel calmer. Often, fears stem from the unknown. Our team is always happy to talk you through any procedures so you understand the process fully.

2. Use Distractions

Feelings of anxiety can overwhelm you. As worries creep in, they’re often all you can think about. The more you think and worry about what’s happening, the greater your anxiety.

Anxiety is a natural reaction to a perceived danger. It’s our body's natural way of preparing us to fight or take flight. When we’re anxious, blood is redirected from the brain to the muscles.

Distractions such as music, books, or hand-held devices can help take your mind off whatever’s happening around you.

At Kreate Dental, we have TVs on the ceilings to help take your mind off your treatment. We also have our own sound system to help distract you.

3. Use Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce dental anxiety.

Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths and holding them for a few seconds. This tells the nervous system that there is no danger. Doing this calms the body and reduces stress.

Visualisation takes your mind somewhere calming. You could picture a beach or a mountain, or a safe place you feel comfortable. Thinking calming thoughts will distract you from your treatment.

By scanning through your entire body and tensing and releasing every muscle, you’ll shift your focus away from the dental work, helping relieve anxiety in the process.

4. Bring a Friend

Going into a dental clinic alone when you’re nervous is particularly daunting. Taking a friend, partner, or family member can improve the experience.

When you’re anxious or feeling a sense of panic, reaching out to hold the hand of someone you trust can have a profoundly calming effect. Pick someone you know well with whom you feel comfortable opening up about your fears.

5. Reward Yourself

If you went to your appointment, you made an important leap. Overcoming dental phobia takes time, and you won’t be cured instantly. Make sure you reward yourself for everything you did to get the needed treatment. Having that reward in place gives you something to look forward to and builds a positive association surrounding the experience for the future.

Spend the rest of the day doing something you enjoy. If you can, go out for a coffee, relax with a movie and a takeaway, buy something you’ve wanted for a while, or do whatever makes you happy!

Helping You Overcome Dental Anxiety at Kreate Dental

The team at Kreate Dental are understanding and caring. We know it’s hard for you to take the first steps toward treatment when you have dental anxiety. Talk to us about it, and we’ll do everything possible to make your experience calming and pleasant.

Call today to schedule your appointment.