Did you know that dental anxiety is probably more common than you think? That’s right! In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that as many as one in five Americans go to the dentist when they’re left with no other choice.
Dentophobia, or severe dental anxiety, is often rooted in something that happened to you at the dentist when you were younger as a child. The issue is, it makes us not want to go to the dentist as we grow older as adults… when we need dental care the most to help keep our teeth going strong to last a lifetime.
Your Wilmington holistic dentist thought it might be a good idea to take a moment and talk about some more natural ways you can help manage your dental anxiety. (If you’re really struggling and need someone to listen, please don’t hesitate to call us. The first step in making progress is admitting you need help and putting yourself in charge of the situation.)
Consider bringing headphones and your favorite music player device or mobile phone to our holistic dental office in Wilmington if you’re scheduled for treatment. You can create a special playlist or just turn on your favorite tunes to help you relax and forget that you’re even in the dental chair. You can even sit back, close your eyes, and focus on the music while your dentist takes care of you and your smile.
If you’re not interested in listening to music, consider trying something called guided imagery, which means you simply picture yourself in a pleasant place or soothing spot where you can’t help but feel more relaxed. Close your eyes and imagine yourself there, hearing the sounds, and smelling the surroundings. While you’re there, try using something called progressive relaxation where you focus on your bringing relaxation to every single part of your body, beginning with your toes and working your way up. Try taking deep, relaxing breaths and use your mind to transport you far away from the dentist’s office.
Before taking any herbal medications, it’s very important to speak with your doctor and your holistic dentist in Wilmington to make sure you’re doing it safely. You’ll want to avoid any interactions with other medications or other side effects.
Some herbs are known to create a calming effect for some people; they include chamomile, valerian, kava, lavender, and passionflower. You can even search “natural remedies for anxiety” and find various blends, pills, drops, salves, juices, etc.
Have you ever tried acupuncture? It might be able to help with your dental anxiety (and so much more). It stems from an ancient Chinese treatment where trigger points in your body are stimulated using tiny needles that are said to help diminish your anxiety and pain. If you’re not big into needles, consider scheduling an acupressure appointment that’s needle-free. If you find one of the techniques helps you, schedule an appointment before seeing us so you can say goodbye to your dental anxiety!
At our holistic dental office in Wilmington, we help so many different people overcome their dental fears every year. If you’re feeling embarrassed by your dental anxiety or phobia, we hope that you’ll feel comfortable giving us a call. Together, using these tips, we can get you and your smile the holistic dental care you need and deserve. Call us today and schedule your no-obligation consultation. We’re always here for you!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!