In one of our November blogs, we mentioned that 30-40 million Americans avoid the dentist every year because of dental fears, anxieties and phobias. This number is staggering, and at Cannon Park, we believe that everyone should make their oral health a priority.
As the new year approaches, consider taking your oral health seriously as a New Year’s resolution. If you are one of these 40 million Americans who has been avoiding the dentist, we hope these tips will help you. Take a look!
Admit Your Fears
The first step to overcoming a fear is admitting you have one. Looking into yourself to understand your fear of the dentist is important. It will help you come to terms with the fear and possibly help you dismiss any falsities you’ve been holding onto about making a visit.
Do Your Research
Don’t just make an appointment at any dentist. Take time to look around and read reviews of the dentists in your local area. Visit their websites and social media pages and try to get a feel for what their offices are like. Call the ones you’re interested in to ask any questions you may have about their policies or procedures.
Get Familiar
Once you’ve narrowed down some choices, ask the offices if you can come in and visit before making an appointment to see if you feel comfortable in their environment. Taking a look around the location without having the fear of an actual appointment can help you feel safe and comfortable. Ask the doctors and assistants/techs about the tools and if they can show them to you and explain what they do.
Bring A Friend
If you’re nervous to visit the dentist alone, invite a friend! Their presence can help you feel at ease during your appointment. You can bring them into the exam room so you know that someone you trust is nearby. Don’t be afraid at any point in your appointment to ask to take a break for water or just to relax for a minute without the sounds of all the tools.
Distract Yourself
If bringing along a friend isn’t an option for you, bring a pair of headphones. Listen to your favorite music while the team is working. There is also a great selection of apps out there that have meditation and white noise soundtracks that you can listen to to help calm your anxieties and reduce stress.
Seek Professional Help
If none of these options work for you, seeking the help of a trained psychologist is a good idea. Many people have deep rooted fears and sometimes the only way to conquer them is through professional help. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and can ultimately help you overcome your fears of the dentist. Being able to make it into a dentist is important to your overall health.
If you’re interested in making an appointment or coming to take a look around our office, give us a call! We are more than happy to make time for you to visit us before making an appointment to have work done.
Reach us online or at 843-723-5346 and let us help you prioritize your oral health in the new year!