Going to the dentist can be scary and stressful, but it doesn't have to be that way. Your reaction to dental visits is what causes stress. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your dental appointments less nerve-racking.
Choose a dentist with a friendly, fun staff who treat patients like people.
The impression you form about the front-line staff will influence how you feel about the dentist. Surrounding yourself with cheerful people can make you feel better and less reluctant about your dental appointments.
Smiles are catching. When someone in the dentist's office smiles at you, it brightens your day. Chances are you will smile back, and smiling is healthy for you.
Bring someone along to your appointment for moral support.
Having someone you know well at your side can help you feel less stressed and anxious. It's not uncommon to feel afraid about going to the dentist. But a good dentist will understand you are anxious and work to make you feel more comfortable.
Get to know the dentist.
Talk about your families, interests, and hobbies. You may discover you share things in common. Making you feel special by remembering something personal about you can be a real confidence booster. A caring and sympathetic dentist makes all the difference when it comes to helping you overcome your fears.
You also are more likely to trust a dentist who makes eye contact with you, which shows he or she is listening to what you have to say. Eye contact is a way of building a connection. It indicates openness in communication; therefore, it plays a significant role in building trust and respect.
Let your dentist know if you're nervous.
A more gentle touch may be enough to reassure you. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns or ask questions. Asking the dentist to explain the procedure will let you know what to expect. The more you understand about what the dentist is going to do, the more likely your experience will be a positive one.
Bring an iPod as a distraction to take your mind off what the dentist is doing.
Plug in your headphones and drown out the sound of the dentist's drill. Listening to music can help you relax and soothe you by focusing your attention on something enjoyable instead of what's making you nervous.
Engaging in an activity as simple as squeezing a stress ball in your hand can help release stress as well.
Plan to reward yourself afterward.
Choose something fun you will look forward to. Giving yourself a reward following a visit to the dentist motivates you to do something you don't want to do. The key is to associate going to the dentist with a pleasant experience. To learn more, contact New Hope Solebury Dental Associates.
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