A little dental anxiety about your post-COVID dental visits? This may help.

post- COVID anxiety

Some patients dread every appointment they make with the dentist (aka “dental anxiety”) – this is why millions and millions of people avoid getting much needed dental care. in 2020- everyone had an excuse to “skip the dentist” with COVID being so heavy on our minds. It is time to get back to your every-6-months routine and we want to help you feel safe.

Not only have we made adjustments to how we check you in and out, but precautions moving forward with proper protective gear for us and you. We always want to make sure you are comfortable so here are a few tricks and tips.

 

Relabel what’s happening

Remind yourself that you are okay and that you are just coming in for routine maintenance. Handle the problems with your oral health as they come. Anxiety is worrying about things that may or may not happen- so stay in the current moment to avoid the stress of the unknown.

Fact-check your thoughts

People with anxiety often fixate on worst-case scenario so stop and really think about how realistic they are.

Breathe in and out

We all know this one, but you don’t need to worry about counting out a certain number of breaths. Just focus on evenly inhaling and exhaling.

The 3-3-3 rule

Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm. Whenever you feel your brain going 100 miles per hour, this mental trick can help center your mind, bringing you back to the present moment.

Stand up straight

Pull your shoulders back, stand or sit with your feet apart, and open your chest. This helps your body start to sense that it’s back in control.

Avoid sugar

Research shows that eating too much sugar can worsen anxious feelings. Instead of reaching into the candy bowl, drink a glass of water or have a protein bar/shake. This will really help you.

Watch a funny video

Apps like Tiktok are guilty of keeping you zoned in, but this may come in handy when you are in a waiting room, nervously awaiting your appointment. You may even completely forget that you are at the dentist with some of those videos!

If you have been dreading your next visit to the dentist, get in touch with the dental experts at Welch Dental Group by calling 281-395-2112 and our dental professionals will give you the most comfortable treatment you will ever experience.