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For many people, just the thought of visiting the dentist can trigger feelings of fear and anxiety.

Dental anxiety is super common, and unfortunately, is the reason many patients don’t come in for regular check-ups. The lack of consistent oral care will lead to build-up and prevent your dentist from catching problems before they become severe, making your eventual necessary trip to the dentist potentially far more uncomfortable. 

Overcoming dental anxiety and committing to regular check-ups will make your experience at the dentist far more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips to overcome your dental anxiety and refamiliarize yourself with visits to the dentist: 

Communicate With Your Dentists to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Don’t be afraid to speak up! Communicate openly with your dentist about your fears and concerns so they can tailor their approach to accommodate your needs. The right dentist will be compassionate and understanding, taking the time to listen to you and address your anxieties surrounding visits to the dentist. 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques before and during your visit may help to overcome dental anxiety because they will calm your nerves and reduce feelings of stress. 

Before your check-up/procedure is underway, agree upon a signal with your dentist that lets your dentist know you need to take a break. Should you begin to feel your stress levels rising during the appointment, simply signal to your dentist and apply your preferred relaxation technique to regulate your breathing, bring down your heart rate, or simply take a break. 

Try Gradual Exposure

If you find your dental anxiety is more severe and it has been a long time since your last visit, it is completely fine to begin refamiliarizing yourself with the dentist by taking baby steps. You could begin with a consultation or a short, non-invasive appointment, and gradually work your way up to more complex treatments as you begin to feel more comfortable. 

Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing dental anxiety, and there are resources and support available to help you overcome it. Our team at Austin Station Dental is here to help you. We are committed to accommodating your needs and helping you feel as comfortable as possible during your visits to the dentist. 

It’s never too late to start your oral care journey. Call us to set up a visit so the team at Austin Station Dental in Coquitlam, BC, can help you overcome your dental anxiety.

As our day-to-day lives become busier and busier, it’s easy to let regular check-ups at the dentist fall at the bottom of our list of priorities. That said, maintaining good oral health is essential to our well-being.

Committing to regular dental check-ups is the easiest way to keep your smile healthy and prevent serious damage down the road. Here are just a few reasons you should have regular dental check ups.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify and address potential problems early on. Issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral infections can be detected and treated before they become severe. Early treatment of these issues not only prevents further complications, but saves you time, discomfort, and possible expenses in the long run.

Prevention of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

During check-ups, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated for too long. Regular cleanings help prevent these issues and avoids the need for more invasive treatments later on.

Improve Confidence and Well-Being

Maintaining a healthy smile is an easy way to boost your confidence and improve your quality of life. Regular check-ups help to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful, giving you the confidence to show it off.

Don’t wait to prioritize your oral health! Our team at Austin Street Dental is here to help you maintain a healthy, radiant smile. Call 604-931-6111 or visit our website to make a booking request.