If you get nervous when visiting the dentist, you’re not alone; dental anxiety affects many patients. To maintain your oral health and peace of mind, it’s helpful to identify your specific fears and find ways to manage them. Here are the most common reasons for dental anxiety and some tips for alleviating the symptoms.  

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

Most people with dental anxiety experience at least one of the following fears:

• Fear of Pain: Many patients worry they’ll feel pain, a fear that’s often triggered by the sight of needles or the sound of a drill.
• Fear of Helplessness: While sitting in the dentist’s chair and having tools put in your mouth, some patients feel a loss of control that makes them uneasy.
• Fear of Repeating Negative Experiences: When you’ve had a painful or otherwise unpleasant dentist appointment in the past, you might worry about re-experiencing negative feelings. 
• Fear of Embarrassment: If it’s been a while since your last appointment, you may feel ashamed by the state of your teeth and fear that the dental staff will judge you. 

How Can You Manage Dental Anxiety? 

No matter the source of your anxiety, communication is key. Tell your dentist about your fears, any negative experiences you’ve had in the past, and any embarrassment about the state of your teeth. They’ll work with you to prevent bad experiences and assure you that poor oral health is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask them to explain what sensations you may feel during your visit, and agree to raise your hand to signal any discomfort.

Finally, for further relief, use these tips:

• Use Distractions: If you fear the sound of the drill or prefer to be distracted, bring your headphones so you can listen to music. Some patients also enjoy playing with stress balls and other objects. 
• Practice Mindfulness: When you get anxious, count your breaths, or observe the sensation of breathing. Then, perform a body scan, focusing on each body part from your head to your toes while relaxing your muscles. 
• Take Advantage of Numbing Gels & Sedation Services: If you’re worried about pain, ask your dentist to use a numbing gel. If your anxiety is severe, consider nitrous oxide or sedation—as long as you have a designated driver. 

If you’re worried about dental anxiety, you need a dentist you can trust. For more than 15 years, Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., L.L.C. has been serving patients of all ages throughout Oconto County, WI. He and his team understand anxiety and will work with you to keep your visit as stress-free as possible. Learn more about their commitment to high-quality care online, and call (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment today. Text JOIN to (920) 249-5938 to opt into the Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., L.L.C. text messaging list.