How to Keep Yourself Relaxed During Dental Work?
Do you feel nervous when you visit the dentist? Do you feel your palms sweat on the dentist’s chair? You’re not alone. At least 9 percent of Americans are scared to see the dentist. Dental phobia, or the irrational fear of receiving dental care, is one of the top reasons why people don’t regularly see a dentist. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce anxiety. Check them out below.
Talk to Your Dentist
This is very important that you should take before you go through any dental treatment. If you have any worries about getting dental care, it helps to talk to your dentist about it. They can recommend stress management techniques that will help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, they can use dental anesthetic or nitrous oxide while you get treatment.
Eat Healthy Foods
Many don’t know that the food you consume can worsen your dental anxiety. Refined sugars, sodium, and caffeine are just some of the ingredients that can stress you out. Caffeine, for example, can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. On your appointment, instead of a cup of coffee, opt for a fruit smoothie that’s full of energy-boosting vitamins and antioxidants. Foods that contain protein also produce a soothing effect on the mind.
Do Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety before and during your dental work. Practice this before your appointment to help reduce rapid heartbeat, hot flashes, cold chills, and sleepless nights. To do so, breathe in through your nose and hold your breath for five seconds before you exhale. As you breathe out, try and put out your negative thoughts along with it. Practice deep breathing on the way to the dental clinic and as you sit on the dental chair.
Use Mindfulness
Take your deep breathing exercises to the next level and use mindfulness. This is a relaxing mental state where you recognize your feelings and thoughts. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety by up to 70 percent. Also, doctors say that patients can highly benefit from this activity. By using mindfulness before and during your scheduled dental work, you can control your breathing and observe negative thought patterns.
Listen to Music
The sound of the suction tube and drill can further worsen your anxiety. Ask your dentist if you can wear your earphones during dental work so you can cancel out these unpleasant noises. Research has shown that music can positively affect the body, working on the body’s psychological stress response system to ultimately reduce stress. In fact, some dentists play music in the clinic; perhaps you can ask them to play your favorite tunes.
If the idea of visiting the dentist scares you, following the tips above should help you better manage your anxieties. All of these have been proven to reduce your stress levels before and during your scheduled dental work. If you still find yourself anxious despite the suggestions above, talk to your dentist and ask for more relaxation techniques.
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