Did you know that an estimated 36% of people in the United States have anxiety around dental visits? This shared concern can leave you feeling so afraid that you avoid appointments, which can put your oral health at risk. Without regular checkups and cleanings, you might develop an issue and not know it, like a cavity or gum disease. These problems can progress into potentially life-threatening issues like oral cancer if they’re never addressed.
Thankfully, your dentist is a trained professional who can administer sedatives to help you stay calm during your procedure. But that’s not the only way they can soothe your frayed nerves. Continue reading to learn three ways they can use your senses to improve your experience!
Technique #1: Calming Colors
The office atmosphere is critical in how comfortable you feel while you’re there because it sets the tone for your entire visit the moment you step through the door. Your dentist understands the value of putting patients at ease, and the colors they use in their environment can help establish a sense of serenity. For instance, many providers choose cool blue and green shades for their walls, carpets, or furniture to evoke a sense of calm because they relax the mind and body. They might only use reds and yellows sparingly because these hues increase tension and anxiety. You might see purple, pink, and orange as accent colors because they can also sometimes activate nervous energy.
Technique #2: Soothing Scents
Have you ever been walking in a public place when a particular smell reaches your nostrils and triggers the memory of an incredibly nostalgic, joyful, or terrifying moment? Your sense of smell is closely linked with powerful recollections and feelings. This is because the olfactory bulb in your brain, which processes olfactory input, is directly connected to your amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in memory and emotion. As a result, some dentists use essential oils and other pleasing air fresheners to disguise the strong scent of dental care products and equipment.
Technique #3: Musical Mending
When you’re afraid of something, like an upcoming dental appointment, your body releases cortisol into your system. This neurotransmitter is a stress hormone that suppresses certain bodily functions to fuel your fight-or-flight response. Without a healthy outlet, it builds up and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Thankfully, playing music you enjoy can reduce its production so you can finally relax. Many dentists encourage patients to bring their headphones to listen to whatever genre helps them feel at ease.
Your dentist can help you feel comfortable at every visit by making conscientious decisions to create a welcoming environment.
About the Practice
At Buda Dental Professionals, you benefit from three dentists who share 20+ years of experience helping improve patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health. They offer a full array of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof to streamline your experience. Then, they combine a gentle approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results for radiant smiles. If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming appointment and want to know more about sedation options, you can contact the office on the website or call (512) 295-5555.