It’s estimated that 36 % of people living in the United States have a fear of dental treatment or going to the dentist. These fears can make people avoid the dentist altogether.
Neglecting routine care or necessary procedures from the dentist because you’re scared could worsen your oral health, no matter your mouth’s condition.
If you find yourself avoiding dental care due to fear or anxiety, the good news is help may be in the palm of your hand!
Your phones, tablets, and other smart devices are great tools when it comes to using apps meant to help calm your mind and reduce anxious thoughts or feelings. Here are just a few calming apps that might make a big difference at your next dental appointment:
Meditation apps help control your thoughts
Apps like Headspace, MINDBODY, and Calm, are designed to help you learn to meditate and control your thoughts, learn focused body movements, and enhance the quality of your sleep. Look for an app that allows you to focus on your body and mind to help calm your dental anxiety.
Relaxation apps offer anxiety management
Like the meditation apps above, there are numerous relaxation-inducing mobile apps that allow you to self-help for anxiety management. Some provide white noise and calming sounds to settle your mind, while others suggest self-hypnosis or acupressure to help you relax. Many of these helpful tools will have you focused on yourself and not the stress that comes with seeing a dentist.
Audio apps help take your mind off of things
If music, podcasts, or audiobooks are your thing, make sure you bring your favorite headphones to your appointment so you can maintain your Zen in the dentist’s chair. Podcasts are great for keeping your mind focused, and you can double the impact by listening to shows that tackle mental health maintenance.
Audiobooks let you enjoy your stories on the go, and they’re available from many retailers like Apple or Audible. If you just want some mindless music to enjoy, services like Spotify have stress-specific playlists available. Or just load up your music apps with your favorite songs.
Video apps
If you’re more easily distracted by the flashing lights and moving pictures on your smaller and more portable version of the silver screen, download Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or fire up YouTube and find something to take your mind off of your dental anxiety. There are so many options to choose from, you might forget why you were stressed in the first place.
If you are unable to watch a movie or show during dental treatment, try to take some time before your appointment to watch your favorite part. In some cases, dental offices have TVs with video apps installed above the patient’s chair. If this is the case for you, be sure to take advantage of it!
Don’t let fear of the dentist stop you from having good oral health
Getting to the dentist’s office may seem impossible if you have fear and anxiety, however, it’s important to visit twice a year to maintain your oral health. Technology such as apps that are meant to calm, relax, and distract you are great tools when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety. Try one or all of the recommendations above at your next appointment – they might be the key to a comfortable dental checkup!
