How to Relax at the Dentist

Most people understand the importance of regular dental care in maintaining and improving their oral health. Yet, many patients actively avoid visiting the dentist due to feelings of dental anxiety. At Soothing Dental, your comfort is our top priority, and we work with you to ensure you have a relaxing, comfortable, and positive experience at our dental office.  

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What is Dental Anxiety?  

Dental fear or stress associated with being in a dental setting can cause a lot of anxiety. It’s a prevalent problem affecting 36% of people in the US, with 12% having extreme fear of the dentist. This can range from minor or mild dental anxiety, where you feel anxious when at the dentist’s office, to a dental phobia, which is the more severe fear resulting in completely delaying or avoiding the dentist until the pain becomes worse than the anxiety.  

Dental anxiety can be caused by a variety of triggers that differ for each patient. Some of the most common ones include:  

• Previous negative experiences at the dentist  
• Fear of pain  
• Fear of injections  
• Loss of control and invasion of personal space  
• Fear of anesthesia side effects  
• A history of being bullied or suffering emotional or physical abuse  
• Embarrassment and fear of being judged about oral care habits  

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How Dental Anxiety Affects Your Oral Health  

Most people with dental anxiety put off going to the dentist for as long as possible as it induces anxiety-related symptoms like sweating, heart palpitations, racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, and possible fainting, panic, and crying. The unfortunate consequence of this lack of dental care is a vicious cycle of deteriorating oral health, causing issues like cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss which in turn increases the need for treatment. By visiting the dentist for your regular 6-month check-up and cleaning, you can more effectively prevent dental diseases and discover any issues early, which can be treated with simple and minimally invasive dentistry.  

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How Can You Feel More Comfortable at the Dentist?

The first step in alleviating dental anxiety is sharing your concerns with your dentist. Speak openly with the dental team about your fear, so they can devise a customized treatment plan to minimize your anxiety before and during your visit. The more your dentist knows about you, the more they can put your mind at ease.

Other relaxation techniques to make you feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office include:  

• Breathing exercises: Depending on your level of dental anxiety, deep breathing exercises can relax your mind, help you feel calmer, and reduce stress during dental appointments. Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, and take deep breaths. Hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this several times.  
• Distractions: Having something in your hand, like a fidget spinner or stress ball, can help to distract your mind during dental treatments. Listening to relaxing music or watching TV can also help keep you relaxed and distracted during treatments.  
• Noise-canceling headphones: If the sounds associated with the dentist make you anxious, using noise-canceling headphones can help drown out the sounds (or at least distract from them!)  
• Soothing Dental’s relaxation room: At Soothing Dental, we have a luxurious relaxation room to make you more comfortable and relaxed during your appointment. Like a spa, we have a fully stocked refreshment bar with infused water, tea, coffee, juice, and wine. You can listen to your favorite music from our extensive digital music library or catch your favorite show on TV.  
• Sedation if necessary: We also provide sedation options like nitrous oxide and mild oral sedation when necessary.  

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Can You Relax at the Dentist?  

Yes, you can relax at the dentist, especially when you find a dentist like Dr. John Vinton. He genuinely respects your feelings and needs and specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety.  

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Schedule Your Appointment at Soothing Dental Today!  

If the thought of visiting the dentist for preventive care and dental work makes you anxious, you may have dental anxiety. At Soothing Dental, our friendly dental team is committed to helping our patients in Midlothian, TX, alleviate their dental anxiety, get the dental care they deserve, and maintain their overall health. We work closely with each patient to ensure they feel comfortable before and during their dental visit to achieve a healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!