Going to the dentist is a medical necessity. But many of us experience anxiety before a dental cleaning Philadelphia PA. The stress can get so bad that many people put off or cancel their appointments. As a result, their dental health worsens, so they really have something to worry about!
Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure you have a stress-free visit. Read on for some helpful tips.
Practice Proper Dental Hygiene
The best thing you can do to relieve the stress of dental visits is to practice proper dental hygiene. If you brush, floss, and rinse regularly, you will lower your risk of dental conditions. Your appointments will be more pleasant. You will feel more confident that you won’t face a complex procedure like tooth repair Philadelphia PA.
Discuss Your Concerns with the Dental Staff
You may be experiencing triggers when you go to the dentist’s office. For example, you may have sensitive areas that require a gentle touch. Or you may dislike it when the dentist uses a specific tool.
Discuss triggers that are causing you to stress with the dental staff. They may figure out ways to get around those triggers. They will help you reduce anxiety during your visit.
Practice Deep Breathing
When a person is stressed, their heart rate and breathing speed up. Deep breathing slows heart rate and breath. It tricks your body into thinking it’s in a calmer state. Try a deep breathing exercise at the dentist’s to stay calm in the chair.
Try Music
Music is also terrific for stress relief. Figure out what type of music you find soothing. Bring along some earbuds and listen to those tunes during your appointment. In addition to helping you feel better, it will also drown out the sound of the drill.
Choose the Right Appointment Time
You will be even more stressed about your dental cleaning Philadelphia PA if you schedule it at a time when you feel rushed. Avoid making an appointment during your lunch hour and worrying about returning to the office on time. Instead, schedule it during a weekend or before or after work.
Don’t Obsess
It’s normal to feel anxiety when sitting in a dentist’s waiting room, but some people may start worrying about their appointment weeks before it happens. Doing so will increase stress levels considerably. By the time your appointment comes, you will be a nervous wreck.
Put off thinking about your appointment until you absolutely must. If unwanted thoughts creep into your head, think of ways to eliminate or rationalize them. This strategy will keep stress to a minimum.
Find the Right Dentist
Working with a reputable dentist will make you feel better about your dental cleaning Philadelphia PA. Ask around to find someone with a gentle touch. Look at reviews to determine what your experience will be like.
My Absolute Smile is a recommended provider in Bucks County. We offer various services, including cosmetic dentistry, and tooth repair Philadelphia. Contact us to learn how we can make your dental visits more pleasant.