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Nervous About Going to the Dentist? 5 Ways to Make Your Visit Easier

By Crystal C

If the thought of the dentist makes you break into a cold sweat, you’re not alone. Many people avoid the dentist because they are afraid to go. But don’t miss out on this important care that makes a big difference for your health – and your smile. Try these tips to make dental visits easier and smoother.

  1. Tell the dentist about your worries. Don’t try to tough it out. Be honest with the dentist about your anxiety when you make the appointment. Tell them again at the appointment. Dentists understand and can offer help. If your child is afraid, try to find a dentist who works with kids. They know how to go slow, have fun, and make the whole experience better.
  2. Agree on a “stop” signal. Talk with your dentist and hygienist (who cleans your teeth) about what you will do when you need them to stop and take a break. It’s hard to talk with things in your mouth! Before you begin, agree on a signal that tells them you need a break.
  3. Ask about numbing and other options to treat pain. The dentist doesn’t want you to be in pain. It’s not good for you, and it makes their work harder. Ask your dentist what they can do to keep you pain-free. Everyone has a different experience of pain, so if you are sensitive to mouth pain, tell your dentist so they can choose the right numbing option for you.
  4. Relax and distract. Have you noticed that you breathe faster when you’re nervous? You can’t talk yourself out of being nervous, but you can trick your body and mind into feeling relaxed by taking slower, deep breaths. Breathe in for four counts, hold it for four counts, and breathe out for four counts. You can also pop your earbuds in and listen to your favorite music during your visit.
  5. Go to the dentist twice a year and do your daily oral care. Wait – the answer to easier dental care is going to the dentist more often? Yes! When you care for your teeth, you have quicker and more pleasant visits because there’s less for the dentist and hygienist to do. Brush twice and floss once daily to get the gunk off your teeth, even in hard-to-reach places – even if you can’t see or feel anything. It’s the invisible gunk that does the most damage. And don’t let sugary foods like soda and gummies sit on your teeth – including gummy vitamins and other “health” gummies.

A healthy smile matters for everything from your health to job opportunities. Don’t let dental fears get in the way. Talk to your dentist about making dental visits easier and smoother.

Do you have Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) and need a dentist? Call DentaQuest’s member services Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 855-225-1729. TTY users should call 711. Or go to your DentaQuest portal at dentaquest.com.

Sources:

Jiang, Tien. (18 Dec 2019). Drills, needles, and pain, oh my! Coping with dental anxiety. Harvard Health Publishing. health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475.

Appukuttan D. P. (2016). Strategies to manage patients with dental anxiety and dental phobia: literature review. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 8, 35–50. doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S63626.