Dental Anxiety

What Can You Do About Dental Anxiety?

These seven strategies will help empower you to work through your dental anxiety.

1. Choose the right dentist
   Find a dentist who understands dental anxiety and is empathetic towards you. Our compassionate and patient dentists will not rush you through any decision making or treatment discussions. We are proud of the way our team treats all our patients, especially those who experience dental anxiety.
2. Discuss your concerns
   If you can be open about your fears, we will work with you, and support you towards optimal oral health. We are able to accommodate most requests and want to see you succeed on this journey. Feel free to ask as many questions as you are comfortable with about your treatment. For some, knowledge is power. For others, ignorance is bliss. We will adapt to your needs.
3. Practice relaxation techniques
   Breathing exercises, tapping sequences, stretching, and visualisation can help calm your nervous system before your visit. Some of these can even be performed while you are in our practice and during your treatment.
4. Start small
   If you’re not sure, start small – book in for a dental check-up or a scale and clean. These minimally invasive procedures are quick and easy for us to perform and will help build your confidence and tolerance for dental visits. You can take a break anytime. All you have to do is ask.
5. Bring support
   We’re open to you bringing a family member or trusted friend to your visit for emotional support. For some people, a comforter such as a small toy, fidget item, or good luck charm may be all you need.
6. Distract yourself
   We welcome you to bring your headphones and listen to your favourite music, podcast, or audiobook during your appointment. Or you can let us be ‘DJ Dentist’ and choose a playlist from our clinic’s Spotify set-up for you! If music isn’t your thing, we have TVs on the roof in all our treatment rooms for you to watch while we work. 
7. Reward yourself
   Once your visit is over, celebrate your progress – but not with a sugary treat! Kidding. But seriously, brush, floss, and rinse after! And remind yourself that your next visit will be easier.