Going to the dentist can be a frightening experience, especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past or have a tendency towards dental anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious about going to the dentist, take heart—you’re not alone! It is estimated that up to 40 million Americans avoid going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety. Let’s explore some strategies for managing those fears and taking control of your oral health.

Communication With Your Grand Junction Dentist is Key

One of the most important things you can do when preparing for a dental appointment is communicate with your dentist ahead of time. Be sure to tell your Grand Junction Dentist about any anxieties or fears you may have so they can work with you to find ways to make your visit more comfortable. For example, if sitting in the chair makes you feel anxious, ask if it would be possible for you to walk around until you are ready to begin the examinations and cleaning.

Additionally, take some time before your appointment to write down any specific questions that you may have regarding treatments, payment plans or dental insurance coverage so that they can be addressed during the visit. By communicating with your dentist beforehand and having all of your questions ready when attending an appointment, you can ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible and reduce the amount of stress associated with visiting the office.

Create an Environment That Works For You

Another way to reduce dental anxiety is by finding ways to create a calming environment for yourself before, during and after appointments. One way to do this is by listening to calming music or playing games on your phone while waiting in line at the office – both activities will help distract from any negative thoughts associated with visiting the office. It may also help if someone accompanies you during visits; even just having another person there who can provide support and understanding can make all the difference in reducing stress levels during a visit.

Finally, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist if dental anxiety persists after trying these strategies – they may be able to provide additional coping mechanisms that could help relieve feelings of fear and uncertainty associated with visiting the dentist. Studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been beneficial when treating patients who struggle with moderate-to-severe dental fear due its focus on changing thought patterns related to anxiety-provoking situations like visiting a dentist’s office.

Taking care of our oral health shouldn’t feel like an intimidating chore – yet many people in Grand Junction suffer from dental phobia or fear which prevents them from keeping up with routine dental checkups and maintenance visits at their local dentists’ offices. Fortunately, there are steps we can take today which will help us better manage our fears so we don’t put off taking care of our teeth any longer! Communication is key; talk openly about any anxieties or fears before appointments so that special accommodations can be made where necessary, create an environment which works best for reducing stress levels (such as bringing along someone who provides emotional support), and finally consider speaking with a counselor or therapist if severe dental phobias persist after trying these strategies. With some effort and patience anyone should be able to conquer their dental fears!