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If the thought of going to the dentist gives you anxiety, you’re not alone. But if those fears keep you from even getting routine care like a teeth cleaning, you’re at risk for more serious oral health issues. Here’s why managing your anxiety is important, as well as a few tips to help you get started.

Why Managing Dental Anxiety Is Important

Patients with severe dental anxiety avoid seeing the dentist altogether. They don’t get essential preventive care and end up with more severe oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. But here’s a secret: If you wait until you’re in pain, you’ll spend more time in the dental chair. By getting teeth cleanings and exams every six months as scheduled, you can prevent the problems that require more extensive work.

How to Manage Your Anxiety About Going to the Dentist

Of course, many people with dental anxiety know they should be going to the dentist regularly, but their fears keep them from doing so. If you want to make your oral health a priority, you have to learn to keep your anxiety in check. There are a few simple ways you can do this.

dentistSince a lot of people’s fears stem from the noise the instruments make, you can try blocking out those sounds by wearing headphones. Couple that with some deep breathing exercises or meditation to achieve a sense of calm. One of the simplest things you can do, though, is to just speak with your dentist.

Communicate your fears before you even schedule an appointment. Your dentist and their staff understand these fears and can make accommodations so you feel comfortable. Most also offer some form of sedation, which can range from light to moderate or deep. These can ease your anxiety and may even allow your dentist to work more quickly.

 

At Genrich Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, their dentist and staff work closely with patients to ease their fears and make the experience as comfortable as possible. They use advanced technology like laser-assisted dentistry, which is much quieter than traditional tools. You can visit their website to learn more about the practice, or call their office at (402) 466-2211 to ask questions.

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