A Helpful Guide To Easing Your Boise Dental Anxiety

Many people throughout the Treasure Valley avoid visiting their Boise dentist because they suffer from dental anxiety or are ashamed of their smile. However, it’s important to understand that dental anxiety is a very commonly shared fear. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like you to know you are not alone while providing you with the following helpful techniques to overcome your dental anxiety.

Understanding Boise Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects thousands of people and it’s easy to understand why. You aren’t visiting your Boise dentist for fun. In fact, fear of pain or general embarrassment can produce unwanted anxiety in the calmest of people. The important thing, however, is to recognize that these fears are very common and that dentists encounter this fear with people every day.

While dental anxiety is an internal fear, it’s not all in your head. Anxiety can lead to a faster heart rate, difficulty breathing, tension in your muscles, and many other physical symptoms. While it’s important to learn to cope with your dental anxiety, it’s also just as important to understand that it is a real issue and that your feelings are valid.

Coping Techniques

With that being said, dental anxiety does have to be subdued in order to maintain optimal oral health. In fact, it’s important for everyone to get the quality dental care they need to eliminate pain and prevent or treat serious tooth or gum issues. Below are a few helpful techniques you can use to help you deal with your Boise dental anxiety.

• Talk about your fears. Vocalizing your fears or writing them down can help you recognize what scares you. By exploring your anxiety, you may find the things that cause it less concerning.
• Find a good Boise dentist. Some dentists in the Treasure Valley are better than others when it comes to keeping patients calm. You may need to find a dentist office that offers a variety of helpful distractions such as movies and music.
• Don’t go alone. Taking someone with you that you trust can help keep you calm with their reassuring presence. However, it’s important your friend or family member doesn’t suffer from their own dental anxiety.
• Practice mindfulness. When you start to feel yourself becoming anxious, counter these feelings of fear by taking deep breaths and focusing on what’s around you. Often, if you counter the anxiety through breathing you will reduce other physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat.
• Inform your dentist.  At Summit Dental, we help patients of all ages who are affected by dental anxiety. By informing your dentist of your fears, we can help provide you with all the information you need about your procedure while ensuring a pleasant experience.

When it comes to addressing your individual needs, you may need to try a combination of these things in order to calm your nerves completely.

Summit Dental Group

At Summit Dental, our dentists will work with you to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. We understand that dealing with dental anxiety isn’t easy but it is necessary. There are many things we do that are critical to maintaining your dental and overall health. If you haven’t visited a dentist in a while, contact us by filling out our online form or giving us a call for a consultation today.