EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BETTER ENJOY A VISIT TO YOUR DENTIST

For some patients, a trip to the dentist can instill fear or anxiety. You may dislike the sights and sounds present in a dental environment; even the idea of the dental chair can be enough to cause worry. Take heart and know you are not alone. You can try to help alleviate some of that anxiety with a few simple yet effective techniques. Learn more about how you can better enjoy a visit to your dentist.

Sharpen Your Relaxation Skills

You can talk your mind and body into relaxing before you climb into the dental chair with a few relaxation techniques. These techniques are easy to implement as you sit in the waiting room before your exam even begins. Try one or several and see which ones better help you relax and shift your focus from distress to serenity.

Visualize a happy place where you notice pleasant sights, sounds, and memories. Make sure it is a place the feels safe, pleasant, and peaceful. Concentrate on deep breathing as you place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Pay attention to how your stomach should rise and fall more than your chest - an indication you are successfully breathing deeply.

You can focus on your muscles and work to tense and then relax various muscle groups. As you relax a muscle, be aware of the feeling as the tension drains away. Some people are also able to relax through a distraction like calming music.

Familiarize Yourself With the Dental Practice

The unknown can cause anxiety and worry, and you may understandably feel unease with a new dentist in a new dental office. If this is the case, take the time to become familiar with a new dental practice before the day of your first appointment. Consider these helpful ways to learn more about what to expect:

• Check first to make sure the atmosphere or ambiance in the waiting area and exam rooms feels calm and pleasant.
• Ask how your dentist helps patients feel less nervous during visits. Some practices offer television and custom music during exams.
• Inquire into what type of anesthesia a practice offers, such as nitrous oxide.
• Chat with the dentist and staff about topics other than teeth. You'll feel less worry when you realize your dentist is a caring, gentle individual who loves people.
  

Don't feel bad if you choose to seek a different practice in the event a waiting room feels cramped and unwelcome or a practice does not offer sedation dentistry for a lengthy dental procedure. Your well-being is important enough for you to continue the search for the right dentist.

Walk In With the Healthiest Teeth Possible

Many patients dislike the idea of an uncomfortable dental experience. In fact, most people fear pain and the sound and smell of dental paraphernalia. Fortunately, you can erase most of these fears when you avoid the need for procedures like root canals or cavity fillings that rely on noisy, intimidating dental tools.

Good dental hygiene will keep teeth and gums healthy throughout the year before your next checkup occurs. Daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. This strategy allows you to better enjoy your time in the chair rather than feel trepidation and worry.

If you're not sure if brushing and flossing are enough, talk to your dentist about additional methods to help keep your teeth looking amazing and strong. He or she can recommend the best toothpaste for your teeth and even help you learn which foods to avoid.

Call Carlino & Paton, DDS PC, today or come and visit our facility. We're here to provide the best care for your teeth in a safe, enjoyable environment.