According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, at least 5-10% of Americans experience dental anxiety or fear. The number is even higher for older adults and women. Additionally, about 20% of Americans have delayed seeking dental care due to this fear. These numbers demonstrate just how common dental phobia is and how important it is to get help if you're struggling with it. If you're struggling with dental phobia, try these tips to help combat it.

1. Educate Yourself on Dental Procedures

2. Find A Dentist Who Understands

It's important to find a dentist who understands your anxiety and will make you feel comfortable. A good dentist should take the time to listen to your concerns, explain all treatments and procedures clearly, and answer any questions you may have. You can also ask your dentist about anti-anxiety medications or sedation dentistry options. At WestLake Dental Care, we work to make each of our patients feel comfortable every time they walk into our office, and offer nitrous sedation, oral sedation and IV sedation (under the care of an anesthesiologist) as sedation dentistry options.

3. Start Small, with Basic Treatments

Once you find a dentist that you feel comfortable with, start off slowly. For example, for your first appointment just go in for a cleaning and examination. This way, you can gradually build up your confidence and eventually move onto other treatments like fillings or extractions.

4. Use Relaxation Techniques

Before, during, and after your appointment, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Research different techniques and see which ones work best for you. For example, with visualization, imagine yourself going to your appointment and everything going smoothly, with an enjoyable experience. This can help to lower your stress levels.

5. Bring a Loved One

Ask a friend or family member to come with you to your appointment. Having someone there to talk and keep your mind off of the dental appointment can be very helpful in calming pre-appointment jitters. This can especially help in the car on the way to the appointment and in the waiting room when you need a distraction.

6. Reward Yourself

Give yourself rewards for managing your fear and making it through appointments, no matter how small they may be. This will help reinforce positive behaviors and motivate you to keep moving forward.

Take Control of Your Dental Phobia at WestLake Dental Care

Dental phobia can make it difficult to take care of your oral health, but there are ways to cope with it. These are just a few tips on overcoming dental phobia, and you may find that you need a combination of the above to help you combat your anxieties. With some effort and practice, you can overcome your fears and get the dental care that you need. Contact the professional and caring team at WestLake Dental Care today to begin your journey towards a healthier smile, stress-free.