Many people suffer from having a huge fear of going to the dentists. It might be in their minds all week prior to their appointment, but once it’s over they feel relieved and wish they didn’t spend the last 7 days worrying so much.
At Glandwr, our team takes pride in making our patients feel as comfortable as possible. We’ve come up with some tips to help our patients with dental anxiety prepare themselves for their appointments:
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Be prepared to share how you feel with your dentist.
Being completely transparent about how you are scared or uncomfortable will allow your dentist to take extra care in making you feel better. They can go through the procedure with you beforehand, in a way that is helpful and should calm your nerves.
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Plan your day ahead.
Schedule your dentist appointment on a day when you’re not super busy. You don’t want to add any extra worry about getting somewhere after on time, and it might be best you give your body a chance to relax following your visit too.
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Watch what you are eating and drinking on the day.
Before your appointment, it’s best to avoid any food and drinks that are high in sugar and/or caffeine. These could make you feel more jittery and add to your nervous feelings. Instead, opt for healthy and caffeine-free options such as chamomile tea.
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Practice calming breathing techniques.
Focusing on breathing slowly and calmly is key to feeling relaxed whilst waiting to be called for your appointment. Take long, slow breaths through your nose, count to three, and exhale slowly through your mouth, relaxing your muscles.
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Don’t skip any of your appointments.
The fear that many have about going to the dentist actually comes from worrying about what is wrong with their teeth. Making sure that you go to all your check-ups, hygienist sessions, and other scheduled appointments will give you peace of mind that your oral health is consistently being monitored.
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Consider asking for our nervous patient service.
If despite everything, you are still very afraid of visiting the dentist, you can let us know when booking your appointment. We have specialist staff who are well trained in calming dental anxieties and will do their utmost to assist you.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your teeth, remember our job is not to judge but to help you achieve a confident and healthy smile. Everyone has to start somewhere!
