Dental solutions for dental phobics

These suggestions can help you to bravely seek the care you need despite the anxiety you may feel:

• Seek the help of a dental practice that welcomes people with dental anxiety
• Communicate your fears to the dental team so that everyone involved with your care is aware of your situation
• Practice mindfulness and deep breathing to calm yourself when you feel stressed in the dental chair
• Distract yourself during treatment by wearing earphones and listening to your favourite audiobook, music or podcast
• Talk with your dentist to decide on a safe hand signal that you can use during treatment to show when you need a break
• Keep visualising the way your mouth will look and feel after you finally get that treatment you need
• Apply a few drops of a soothing essential oil to your wrists for aromatherapy
• Hold something in your hands you can ‘fidget’ with, like a rubber ball
• Ask your questions before your treatment starts so that you know exactly what to expect