Welcome back to another episode of The Midday Show! I’m your host, J.R. Bjornson. Today’s episode is all about a topic I know too well—dental anxiety. If you’ve ever felt nervous or uneasy about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and in this blog post, I want to share my personal experiences and some tips that have helped me cope with these anxieties. As a quick Side Note The Midday Show is a podcast where I chat about anything and everything about life, my life. Some episodes I turn into blog posts like the one you are reading about now. Enjoy and thanks for dropping by.
Facing the Dentist Chair
For me, dental anxiety mainly comes from the fear of pain. Whether it's the sound of the drill or the thought of that needle getting ready to numb my gums, I always find myself bracing for discomfort. The strange part is, once the needle does its job and I’m numb, I’m usually fine. But those moments leading up to it can be nerve-wracking.
Another big part of dental anxiety, at least for me, is embarrassment. No matter how hard I try, there’s always a nagging voice in my head wondering, "What is the dentist going to think of my teeth?" I’ve had a buck tooth for years that I never got braces for, and I know I don’t floss as much as I should. So whenever I’m in the dentist’s chair, I can’t help but feel like I could have done more to take care of my mouth. If you’ve ever felt this way, I can totally relate.
But it’s not just embarrassment—sometimes it’s the loss of control that triggers anxiety. When you’re sitting in that chair with your mouth wide open, you have no control over what’s going to happen next. It’s all in the dentist’s hands, and that feeling of helplessness can be hard to shake.
The Fear of the Unknown
For many people, dental anxiety stems from the fear of the unknown. What if the dentist finds something wrong? Will I need a filling, surgery, or a night guard? Over the summer, I found out I grind my teeth at night and needed a night guard. It wasn’t cheap, but it was necessary. The fear of what might happen in that chair is real, and for some, it’s enough to keep them away from the dentist altogether.
Negative Past Experiences
Another major source of dental anxiety is negative past experiences. I remember having a root canal when I was nine years old. The procedure was done at my school, of all places, and I can still recall the awful smell as they drilled into my infected tooth. It was an uncomfortable experience, and it left a lasting impression on me. Fast forward to today, and I recently had another root canal that also didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. These kinds of memories can easily fuel anxiety about future visits.
Claustrophobia in the Dentist’s Chair
If you’re someone who experiences claustrophobia, the dentist’s chair can be a tough place to be. You’re surrounded by four walls, and the feeling of being closed in can become overwhelming. As someone who’s sensitive to sound, the noise of the dental drill only adds to my discomfort. I’ve even had anxiety attacks during appointments, which led me to cancel procedures halfway through. It’s not easy, but recognizing those feelings is the first step in finding ways to cope.
Ways to Manage Dental Anxiety
Now that I’ve shared some of my experiences, let’s talk about how to manage dental anxiety. Here are a few strategies that have helped me and might work for you:
#1. Research Dental Procedures. Knowing what to expect can ease some of the fear. When you understand what’s going to happen, it removes the mystery, making the process less intimidating.
#2. Communicate with Your Dentist. Don’t be afraid to tell your dentist about your anxiety. They are there to help you and will often suggest ways to make you feel more comfortable. In some cases, they might recommend nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) or other sedation methods to help calm your nerves.
#3. Try Deep Breathing Exercises. One technique I’ve found helpful is box breathing. It’s simple: inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and hold again for four seconds. Repeat this for a few minutes, and you’ll feel much more relaxed.
#4. Bring Distractions. If possible, bring something to distract yourself. Noise-canceling headphones or even listening to an audiobook can help take your mind off the procedure.
#5. Consider Sedation**: If your anxiety is severe, ask your dentist about sedation options. Sedation can help you relax or even sleep through the procedure.
#6. Be Open About Your Needs. Signal to your dentist if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure. Simple gestures like raising your hand can let them know something’s off and that you need a break.
#7. Visualize Relaxation Imagine yourself in a calm, peaceful place. Whether it’s laying on a beach or resting in your bed, focusing on this happy place can help ease your anxiety.
#8. Reward Yourself. After your appointment, treat yourself to something nice. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee or just taking some time to relax, rewarding yourself can make future dental visits feel more bearable.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever struggled with dental anxiety, I hope this blog post helps you feel less alone. We all have our moments of fear or anxiety when it comes to things like visiting the dentist, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s possible to overcome those fears.
Thank you for reading, and if you’d like to support The Midday Show, you can always buy me a coffee at [buymeacoffee.com/bjornson](https://buymeacoffee.com/bjornson). Every little bit helps, and your support means the world to me.
Until next time, this is J.R. Bjornson reminding you to take care of your teeth and take care of yourself!
Comments