Going to the dentist can be a stressful experience, especially if you have not been to the dentist in awhile. It’s kind of a vicious cycle really. Avoiding the dentist out of fear or finances actually increases the likelihood of your next visit being more invasive and expensive. Unfortunately, going to the dentist isn’t always going to be an unstressful event, but there are a number of things you can do at home to help put you in a relaxed state of mind before your visit.
And if you find you can’t relax before you get here, we offer NuCalm, a natural drug-free approach to relaxing at the dentist.
De-stress Eating
De-stress eating is a great idea as long as you are not reaching for junk food every time. There are a number of healthy foods that are great for eliminating stress. For example, milk and turkey contain tryptophan which becomes serotonin as it is metabolised. Even broccoli, which one wouldn’t normally associate with de-stress eating, contains folic acid which has been shown to reduce stress levels. For those with a sweet tooth, a little sugar reduces stress-producing hormones and dark chocolate contains anandamide which mimics the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol–one of the psychoactive substance in marijuana) on the brain.
Listen to Music
This is a no brainer. Music has a profound effect on our mood and outlook. Positive and upbeat songs can lift our spirits and fast, uptempo music can focus our attention and make us alert. For many people, stringed instruments found in classical, Native American, Celtic, and Indian music are the most relaxing, but what works for you may differ. If you are looking for music to lower your stress levels you should make sure that you enjoy the music first and then reflect on how it makes you feel. Does it make your heart race, or does it quiet your mind?
Quiet Time
It is hard to find a quiet moment in our busy lives, but it can make all the difference. Taking even five minutes to be alone and simply not think about our daily tasks, our worries, or our struggles can do a lot to lower your stress levels. If you have time, try meditating or taking a yoga class (even laughter yoga). You may find that you are not only less anxious about the dentist, but that the little things in life aren’t as stressful as they were previously.
A Good Dentist Can Help
Many people do not realize that a dentist can help you get over your dental anxiety. I know that it sounds like an oxymoron, but there are plenty of tools available. Sedation dentistry has proven to be effective, but some people have adverse reactions to the medication. Dr. Siegel offers NuCalm, which is a drug free relaxation technique that helps your body naturally avoid its stress response. If you live in the Philadelphia area and are sick of dealing with dental anxiety why not give The Dental Excellence of Blue Bell a try? Give us a call at (610) 272-0828 to schedule an appointment today.
