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Dental anxiety or fear of the dentist is very common. Many patients avoid going to the dentist due to dental fear. However, visiting the dentist regularly is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and your smile beautiful. If you are anxious or fearful about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Research shows that between 9 and 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental fear. Read the article to find tips to ease dental fear.

Be Comfortable With Your Dentist

Being able to trust your dentists goes a long way toward helping you feel calm in the dentist’s chair. Get to know your dentist on a personal level, and don’t be afraid to ask about their education and training. You can even ask about visiting the dentist as a child! This can help put your mind at ease, especially if you need extensive treatment. The more you know and trust your dentist, the more you’ll be able to relax in the chair.

Communicate With Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. They can give you some tips on how to remain calm and comfortable throughout your appointments, especially on days when you feel particularly nervous.

You should also let your hygienist know if you’re feeling anxious or unsure about any part of the appointment. They want you to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible during your dental care, so they’ll do their best to help put you at ease. If your dentist needs to work on an area that’s causing you significant discomfort, the hygienist may be able to give you a topical numbing agent to numb the area first. This can also help to reduce the amount of time you need to spend in the chair while you’re getting the treatment you need.

Relax During the Procedure

Listening to music or an audiobook can be a great way to take your mind off the procedure and distract yourself from what is going on in your mouth. If you feel like you need something in your eyes, watching your favorite show on TV can help as well. 

Bring a Friend With You for Support

Having a friend or loved one there with you during your appointment can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. They can also help remind you of why it’s important to have dental hygiene so you’ll be more inclined to take care of your teeth after your appointment is over.

To know more or to schedule your consultation with our dentists, call our Springfield Location at (417) 887-3100.