Frightened of the dentist?
Chew sugarfree gum, like ORBIT Complete , to help relieve stress and ensure you have fresh breath for your dentist
Beforehand
- Schedule a morning appointment, so you don't have all day to worry about it
- Allow plenty of time to get there to avoid raising your stress levels by racing in late
- If you arrive early, don't go and sit in the waiting room - go for a coffee or a trip around the shops
- Plan to treat yourself later, so you have something to look forward to
- Have something to eat before the visit, as this will help blood sugar levels
- Try aromatherapy, using essential oils in the bath or in a burner at home - lavender has been shown to reduce stress
- Chew sugarfree gum to help relieve stress and ensure you have fresh breath for your dentist
In the chair
- Make sure your dentist knows you are nervous
- Ask questions so you know what's going on - alternatively, if you'd rather not know, tell your dentist
- Keep your legs uncrossed and keep your hands in your lap - don't grip the arms of the chair
- Breathe deeply, shut your eyes if it helps, and try to imagine relaxing scenery or pleasant memories
- Deep breathing, counting slowly as you breathe in and more importantly, on the breath out - this is useful before and during the appointment
- Concentrate on tapping each of your fingers in turn, or focus on wiggling each of your toes whilst in the dentist's chair
