Text 1. Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Read the text and answer the questions below.
The Canadian Dental Association estimates that over three million Canadians suffer from dental anxiety. These are patients who continually cancel appointments, don't come in for check-ups and delay necessary treatment until they have a much more serious problem. The one million people who never see a dentist, the true dental phobics, are very likely to end up toothless!
With modern equipment and techniques, dentistry is now virtually painless. If you are fearful, the first step is to tell us - our goal is to provide you with the best dental care possible and we can't do that if you are not here! These are a few tips to help make your visit to our office worry-free.
Ask questions about procedures that cause you anxiety. If you know and understand what is going to happen, you will have less reason to worry.
- eat a light meal before your visit and try not to drink coffee, tea or cola as they stimulate you instead of relaxing you. Eating a rich protein snack like a lean meat sandwich will help stabilise your blood sugar and reduce irritability.
- distract yourself in the dental chair by using headphones to listen to the radio or to music you find relaxing. This will muffle noises that may bother you.
- establish a signal, such as raising your hand, to let us know you want us to stop a procedure. It will make you feel more in control and give you a chance to ask for more anaesthetic if you feel any discomfort.
- the ways you deal with stress outside the dental office will work inside too! Try thinking of pleasant things, deep breathing or relaxing your muscles one by one.
- some or all of these techniques may help you feel more at ease but, above all, don't be afraid to ask your doctor for a helping hand. That's what we are here for!