|
Do you feel anxious before every dentist appointment? Are you sick to your stomach or do you have sweaty palms? If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you should know that there are ways to quell dental anxiety and make your dental experience a lot more tolerable. For some people, the fear of going to the dentist or undergoing a dental procedure is so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. From proper communication to support groups, there are a wide variety of treatments and coping methods for overcoming dental anxiety. Keep your teeth shining bright this fall season by confronting your anxiety. Dental Anxiety and Your Health Skipping your regular dental visits can leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay, which can result in bad breath. As a result, your self-confidence is compromised, which can limit your social interactions. It is one thing when anxiety affects your relationships, but it is something else altogether when it begins to impact your physical well-being. The health consequences of dental anxieties are very real and can be very serious. If you continue to put off dental visits, your teeth and gums can become chronically infected. It can also: * affect your ability to chew and digest properly
* affect your speech patterns
* lead to heart disease Communication is Vital Talking with your dentist is the key to eliminating dental fear. With advancements in dentistry, your treatment can be virtually painless. This is why taking the time to discuss your fears with your dentist is important as it can open up other possibilities for treatment options. You can also feel more in control if you take an active part in the decisions about your treatment. Your dentist in Everett will discuss with you all of the procedures you may need. Depending on the procedures needed, you may be able to have several completed at one time or in a series of shorter appointments. While in your appointment, ask your dentist to describe the types of pain control available and then decide which would be best for you. You may feel embarrassed to discuss your fears, but remember that you are not alone. These fears are not uncommon. Once your dentist knows what the issues are, they will be better able to find appropriate solutions for your treatment. Relax When you are tense or upset, your body releases "stress chemicals," such as adrenaline. These chemicals can cause a variety of physical responses. Your muscles may tighten, and you may breathe faster. When this is happening, the pain receptors in your brain become more sensitive, which often makes you feel more fearful and anxious. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can help reduce levels of stress hormones as well as pain and anxiety. People who practice relaxation techniques often discover that their fear responses diminish over time. Some of the most effective relaxation techniques include: * Guided imagery
* Deep breathing
* Progressive relaxation No matter how you distract yourself, it is important to overcome your fears to maintain proper oral health and overall health. Talk to your dentist in Everett today for more information on ways they can help you overcome your anxiety during dental procedures.
Osborne Square Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is owned and operated by Dr. Parminderpal Singh, dentist in Everett. It is a two doctor office, which is a husband and wife team of Dr. Parminderpal Singh and Gurinderpal Bajwa. Together they bring quality care to patients of all ages, providing services in wisdom tooth extraction, veneers and dental implants in Everett.
|
