Going to the dentist is a fairly normal affair for the majority of patients, but for some it can be quite a daunting and nerve-racking task. Dentophobia or ‘fear of the dentist’ is a fairly common phobia and as such there are numerous techniques you can try to keep yourself calm, should you start to feel the anxiety taking control.
Here are a few things you can try yourself to keep the nerves at bay on your next visit to your dentist in Edinburgh.
Try Calming Breathing Techniques
One of the most simple and easiest ways to keep calm is to try some relaxation breathing. Calmly filling your body with oxygen will allow it to break down the adrenaline in your system that makes you feel on edge. There are a few methods you can try, but the basic slow inhalation through the nose and back out through the mouth for a few minutes is a good place to start.
Try to find a technique that works for you and is easy to remember in a stressful situation.
Talk To Your Dental Team
Another fairly simple thing you can do is to just talk to your dental team. Taking a few minutes to establish that you are feeling anxious about the visit will make the experience much easier on you.
Opening up a line of dialogue also lets you come up with ways to let the team know that you need a break. If you are nervous about making a noise and potentially interfering with any procedure you may be going through, then a hand raise is often acceptable enough as a sign you need a break.
Distract Yourself With Some Music
If the whirring of drills gets your nerves jangling then try following a different beat by listening to some of your favourite tracks while you sit in your dentist’s chair. To ensure that you stay relaxed it’s generally recommended that you pick more down tempo songs and music, such as classical or jazz. Try to stay away from thumping techno or screeching heavy metal, as the fast beats in those can get your heart racing again in no time.
Bring In A Friend
Having that familiar face to look over at, whilst you are surrounded by a room of strangers, can often create a little island of calm in the torrent of emotions in your mind when you’re stressed. Although, if you plan on bringing along a friend or a loved one, make sure to check ahead first with the practice to make sure that it’s permitted they sit in on your visit.
Hug A Cuddly Toy
Finally to round out the list there’s one last cute and cuddly option for those of you that might feel a little on edge about going to the dentist and that’s to bring in a cuddly toy from home. Having that familiar texture and scent to cling on to can be a great help in a stressful situation, just make sure that the bear you bring isn’t too big.
So the next time you start to feel your anxiety getting the better of you, just try a few of these techniques to relax yourself and make that visit to the dentist a little less stressful.
