Did you know roughly 9-15% of American adults avoid visiting the dentist due to dental phobia? If a teeth cleaning appointment or the need to get a filling results in anxiety, fear, and a few sleepless nights, finding ways to make it through your visit with minimal discomfort becomes a top priority. That’s why many dental practices have decided to provide therapy dogs to help nervous patients. If you’re wondering how a therapy dog can help you through a dental procedure, here are some benefits to review. 

Top 3 Advantages of Having Therapy Dogs at the Dentist

1. Curbs Dental Anxiety

When walking in your dentist’s office, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what’s to come. That’s where a trained therapy dog comes in. By being a doting and adorable presence, it’s hard not to smile and de-stress. Holding a paw and feeling empathy from an animal while you’re in the dental chair can make the experience far less painful. 

2. Promotes Relaxation

Studies have shown that dogs can provide a soothing presence. Having the opportunity to pet a sweet animal can lower your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure. In turn, you’ll feel more relaxed during your appointment.

3. Provides a Welcome Distraction

In addition to the mental and physical benefits of being with a therapy dog, having another creature in the room with you is a welcome distraction. Instead of focusing on the sounds of dental equipment or the feeling of your dentist working on your teeth, you can concentrate on your adorable four-legged friend. Odds are, they’ll give you a nice cuddle or simply watch you from across the room with those kind and loving puppy dog eyes. 

The office of Jerry A Laws, DDS, and Caitlin Miller, DMD, based in Lexington, NC, is known throughout Davidson County for providing experienced, comprehensive dental care in a soothing environment. If you’re looking for a dentist that believes in using state-of-the-art equipment and creating a relaxing ambiance, complete with therapy dogs, to put even the most anxious dental patients at ease, call today at (336) 249-7708 to schedule your first appointment. For more information on their preventative and cosmetic dentistry services, from teeth cleaning to dental bridges and dentures, visit their website and explore their Facebook page.