When it comes to personal health, good oral care is just as important as maintaining the body. It’s hard to maintain your body if you can’t properly chew and digest just your food. However, if you are one of the many adults who are trepidatious about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Read on for some insights about how you can prevent stressing out before your next dental appointment.
1. Research Your Dentist
According to the ADA, as of 2021, over 201,927 dentists are working in the United States. Have you recently chosen a new dentist among the vast group of professionals? If so, ease your stress by properly researching that dentist. You can check reviews online with sites like Reddit, Yelp, Google Reviews, and more. The dentist’s office may also have a website with patient testimonials. If you see other dental patients make remarks about how patient the dentist was and how they never experienced any pain, it could help ease your anxiety.
2. Avoid Caffeine and Sugar
There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and having a hot cup of coffee. However, you may want to skip the coffee and sugary donuts before going to the dentist. The main reason is that the caffeine and extra sugar may make you even more jittery than normal. Switch out the caffeine and donut for a nutritious green smoothie or a soothing cup of chamomile tea to help relax you before you sit in a dental chair.
3. Get a Good Night’s Rest
According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, over 50% of American adults over age 50 agreed that a smile is one of the best features that stay most attractive as people grow older. So you can go to sleep the night before your dental appointment, knowing that you’re taking the next steps to ensure you keep a beautiful smile for years to come. In addition, a good night’s rest can help you wake up calmly and feel relaxed. If you wake up feeling groggy and have to push yourself out of bed, it can make an already stressful dental appointment more so. Go to bed early and wake up with enough time to practice a calming morning routine before heading to the dentist.
4. View After Photos of Dental Patients
The type of procedure you’re going in for can increase your level of dental stress. However, you can ease your emotional and mental burden by viewing photos of past dental patients. Take, for example, braces. If you’re finally taking the steps to straighten your teeth, you may be anxious about getting braces as an adult.
According to Humana, over 4 million Americans wear braces, and about 25% are other adults like you. Knowing such information, and viewing “after” photos of adults who’ve undergone beautiful orthodontic care can help you feel better. Concrete evidence of the good results that await you can help reduce stress.
5. Bring Your Favorite Music or Podcast
Music is the universal language for many reasons. Not only can music cross languages and cultures, but it also has a way of making people feel something special. One of the types of emotions music can create is a sense of calm and relaxation. Have your iPod or phone loaded up with your favorite music or tuned into your favorite radio or podcast channel, so you have something relaxing to listen to on the way while waiting, and in the dental chair.
Maintaining good personal health involves many actions including going to the dentist. According to the American Dental Association, people should visit their local dental office at least twice a year. While it may create some emotional stress, the steps above can ease your burden so you can always have a beautiful smile for years.