Afraid of the Dentist? 5 Self Help Techniques to Conquer Dental Fear

Does the thought of your next dentist appointment send shivers down your spine? You’re not alone. In fact, over 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. And that’s a shame because these people are not getting the dental care they need. Their smiles, not to mention their health, suffer in the process.

We get it — the dentist chair is no picnic! But we don’t want you to be scared of us. We want you to have great dental care, and that means overcoming your fear. Here are a few Jedi mind tricks to master your fear so you can relax for your next dental appointment.

Talk to Us

We’re your family dentist. This is no ordinary patient/dentist relationship. The bond we share is special. As your dentist, we know your family, what sports your kids play, even your hobbies and maybe even your favorite music. Talk to us. Tell us about your fears — what makes you nervous. We want you to feel comfortable. We advocate for gentle dentistry. That means doing everything we can so you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Tell us what we can do to help. We’re very accommodating.

Bring In Your Own Music

Music is great for relaxing. We encourage you to bring in your own music to listen to on earbuds — only use one ear so you can still hear our instructions. Choose music that is particularly soothing and meditative — maybe save the 80s Van Halen for another occasion. But classical, soothing jazz, meditative chanting, or mellow folk can be a great way to relax and control your dental anxiety.

Show Up Early

Give yourself time to settle before your appointment. We recommend trying to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. This way, you can take time to meditate, practice mindfulness, or simply mentally prepare for your dental appointment. You won’t feel rushed and stressed. You’ll be starting out your dentist appointment on the right foot and in a better frame of mind to relax.

Bring Comforting Objects

As part of our commitment to gentle dentistry, we encourage our patients to bring comfort objects — say a favored afghan, a good book, or a favored family memento. You might also try wearing your favorite outfit or keeping a good luck charm.

Practice Meditative Breathing

Before your dental appointment, perhaps while you’re sitting in the parking lot, practice meditative breathing techniques to ease your stress and anxiety. Place the tip of your tongue against the top edge of your gums and take a deep breath. Hold it in for a few seconds and then gently release it, counting out the moments with the focus on the light touching of the tongue. Do this several times as you feel the stress unwind and you settle into the fullness of the moment. You’ll feel calmer and more confident at the dentist!