Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or simply haven’t visited a dentist in a while, it’s very common to feel anxiety before your appointment. However, many of the reasons you may feel this nervousness have greatly improved in recent years as the medical field has evolved and expanded. If you need a dental visit but are feeling nervous, use the following tactics to ease your fears.

Top Tips to Combat Dental Distress

1. Be Upfront About Fears

One of the first ways you can tackle your dental anxiety is by being open about your feelings. More than likely, your dentist has plenty of experience treating patients who are anxious, so they’ll validate your feelings and work with you during the appointment to ensure you’re informed and comfortable.

2. Consider Your Appointment Time

Instead of rushing to the dentist after a long day at work, take a look at your schedule and find a day or time when you can relax a little and mentally prepare for your appointment. A dental appointment when you’re already stressed out can add to your anxiety, so talk to the office about your schedule and find a time you’re comfortable with.

3. Try Hand Signals

When getting ready for your procedure, talk to the dentist about different hand signals you can use to communicate with them if you’re unable to speak. This may mean simply holding your hand up to indicate you want them to stop or giving a thumbs up to let them know you’re feeling OK and they can continue.

4. Use Music to Distract

The sounds of the tools your dentist uses to clean your teeth may seem loud or abnormal to you. In order to better ignore these sounds and combat stress, bring a personal music player with earbuds or headphones to listen to so you can be distracted during this part of the visit.

Whether you’re new to the area or simply want a compassionate dentist that understands your feelings of anxiety, trust the staff at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC. The team is focused on providing you with the best and most respectful care possible, from basic teeth cleaning to more complex treatments. To learn more about how this dental practice can help ease your fears, visit them online or call (704) 663-3300.