Dental anxiety is the fear or anxiety associated with visiting a dentist. Although the fear fades over the years for some, others remain anxious or stressed about their visits. This can lead to avoidance behavior which can exasperate the issue. As an adult, here are some easy ways to help you address dental anxiety and maintain optimal oral health.

4 Ways to Overcome Dental Anxiety 

1. Maintain Good Oral Health

Often, dental anxiety is associated more with extractions, root canals, cavities, or other more serious dental work. To help you reduce your anxiety, maintain good oral health by brushing twice a day for two minutes each, flossing regularly, and attending bi-yearly cleanings. This can lower your chance of needing other types of dental work, thus keeping your visits easy and stress-free.

2. Try Mindfulness Techniques

Try to be mindful of your situation and surroundings when you're at the dentist's or heading to your appointment. Integrating key relaxation techniques can make a world of difference to your anxiety levels. Try counting your breaths as you slowly inhale and exhale while you're in the waiting room or sitting in the chair undergoing your dental exam. Another option is a body scan, where you concentrate on relaxing different muscles from your head to your toes.

3. Communicate with Your Dentist

Trust is an important factor in your dental anxiety, so don't be afraid to talk to your dentist. Tell them about your anxiety, why you're nervous, and any bad experiences you've had. Don't be afraid to ask any questions about the procedures, and let them know if you need to take a break during any part of the exam. Communicate about any discomfort you may experience to address it as soon as possible.

4. Bring in Distractions

Finally, if all else fails, try to distract yourself during your appointment. Bring in headphones to listen to your favorite song or podcast, carry a stress ball to keep your hands busy, or try visualization techniques to transport your mind to a more comfortable environment. Find something that works for you and keep using it.

When you need a dentist who makes you feel comfortable during your visits, head over The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry PLLC. With two convenient locations in Whitefish and Kalispell, MT, their talented and experienced team provides a unique approach to dental care. Whether you're looking to brighten your smile or need to take care of a few unfortunate cavities, this practice can help you in a comfortable and anxiety-free atmosphere. To schedule an appointment, call (406) 862-1010 in Whitefish or (406) 730-1010 in Kalispell, or visit them online to learn more about their comprehensive range of services.