Managing Dental Fear and Anxiety: Tips for a Stress-Free Visit

Many people experience anxiety when it comes to dental visits. Whether it’s the strange sounds, worrying about hearing bad news, or the fear of pain – dental anxiety is common but manageable. Here are some effective strategies to help ease your mind before and during your appointment.

1. Communicate Openly

Talk to us about your fears! A good provider will listen and work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible. The more that we can understand what specifically triggers your anxiety, the more we can adjust our treatment. Risette is a judgment-free space – every question and concern is valid. 

2. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is believed to help calm your nervous system and control the “fight or flight” response you may feel in a stressful situation. It may seem trivial, but deep breathing is the simplest tactic to try at your next dental visit. Breathing exercises require no medications, no special equipment, and is totally free – why not give it a try? 

Before your appointment, practice deep breathing techniques. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. When you are at your appointment, you will be ready to employ this simple exercise to help calm your nerves and reduce tension. 

3. Bring a Distraction

Focusing on something enjoyable can divert your attention from the dental work and help you relax. Consider bringing headphones and listening to music or a podcast during your appointment. Risette is equipped with a smart TV so you can watch Amazon Prime or browse YouTube. A stress ball or fidget toy can also be a great tactile distraction. 

4. Schedule Wisely

If possible, schedule your appointments for times when you’re less likely to feel rushed or stressed. Risette is open from 8am to 8pm to allow for a variety of appointment options. 

5. Take it Slow

If it has been a long time since your last visit, or you struggle at your dental visits, it may be best not to rush through it! A dental hygiene clinic is much slower-paced, with a quieter environment and a much more fluid and relaxed schedule. If you need to, we are able to take it slow – whether that means we take a short break during your appointment (a great time for those deep breathing exercises!), or we book your cleaning in two shorter appointments. Our schedule allows us more flexibility to go at a pace that is comfortable for you. 

6. Build Familiarity

Dental anxiety prevents people from booking an appointment, and in turn, the fear of the unknown after being overdue for months to years can become a debilitating cycle. We believe positive dental experiences can begin to replace negative experiences – building confidence and breaking the cycle of avoiding treatment. Seeing the same gentle dental hygienist at each appointment helps to build rapport and also allows your provider to better understand your unique needs to ensure the most comfortable appointment. It can be stressful to have to meet a new provider at every appointment – so at Risette, you can rest assured you will be booked with the same dental hygienist at every visit! 

7. Pick the Right Clinic

If you are feeling stressed or nervous, make sure you are choosing an environment that does not add to your dental anxiety. Do your research when you are choosing a new dental clinic. While the convenience of being in a busy mall, or selecting a bustling office with 10 dental chairs may be a perk for some, it may be a deterrent for those who need a calm, relaxing, and quiet environment. Stop by Risette Dental, a two-chair, hygiene-only clinic, and see just how peaceful a dental office can be! 

8. Reward Yourself!

Plan a reward for after your appointment—whether it’s a treat, a favorite activity, or some relaxation time. Having something to look forward to can make the experience feel less daunting.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you’re not alone in your feelings of fear or anxiety about dental visits. By employing these strategies and communicating with your dental team, you can take control of your experience and prioritize your oral health. Your smile is worth it!

You can book your next dental cleaning or teeth whitening in Langley at Risette Dental Hygiene on our website through our secure booking platform on JaneApp.