How to Relax Before a Dental Visit

A dental visit causes some people as much as anxiety as public speaking or interviewing for a job. For one reason or another, they are terrified of the dental office and do their best to avoid it. Unfortunately, avoiding it means allowing existing problems to get worse and new problems to begin. It also means when a person finally does make it in for a visit, things are going to be much worse than they would have otherwise been if the visit had not been put off. Visiting a dentist on the regular basis is the best way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Whether you need braces or just a general cleaning, you need to find a way to get to the dental office and deal with your anxiety. There are several options when it comes to coping with nerves and anxiety. If the problem is severe, you might be prescribed medication. When making your appointment, let them know you are nervous and they can help you with a relaxing medication.

Another option is to try hypnosis. Guided hypnosis is available online, but you can also see professional hypnosis-therapist who can help you learn how to cope with anxiety through hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is also valuable and can be done completely on your own. Some people use headphones while in the dental chair with pre-recorded guided hypnosis scripts. This gets the focus off of the work being done in your mouth and onto something else that is more relaxing and less anxiety inducing.

Yoga and meditation also help to relax you. If you have a dental appointment planned, take a few hours beforehand to enjoy a session of yoga. You can also follow-up the experience with yoga to calm your nerves after your appointment. Medication can be done during the appointment. It is similar to hypnosis, but gives you more control over the situation. If you have previously studied yoga or meditation, these are likely to help. However, if you are new to the practices, you might need to combine them with other solutions until you feel more comfortable with the practices.

Deep breathing exercises before and during the appointment are also helpful. They help your body to relax so your muscles do not tense up. Though anxiety begins primarily as a mental state, there are plenty of ways your body shows symptoms of anxiety. By releasing these symptoms, you can focus on calming the mind.

Finally, you should consider aromatherapy. Usually, this technique is used in conjunction with some other options. Scents like lavender and chamomile are relaxing and help you calm down. Rub lavender scented lotion on your hands before the appointment or enjoy a cup of chamomile tea as you wait in the waiting area for the appointment to begin. Though this is unlikely to make all of your cares vanish, the fragrance is a powerful tool when combined with meditation or hypnosis. You might find a blend of tools works best for relieving your dental-related anxiety.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter visited a Murfreesboro dentist on his last trip to the south to study what new techniques are being used. He searched the term Murfreesboro braces to find a new orthodontist for his children.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Murfreesboro dentist,Murfreesboro Braces

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