Terrified Of The Dentist? Try These Things Before Your Appointment To Help You Relax

Whether you have had a previous bad experience at a dentist or you just scared of having your mouth worked on at all, dental fear is a very real thing. Being afraid of going to the dentist is actually one of the primary reasons why some adults don't get the dental care they need, and this is never a good thing. While you may not be able to push your fear of dental treatment completely out of the way, there are a few things you can do before your scheduled dentist appointment that may help you be a bit more relaxed.

Avoid caffeinated beverages several hours before your appointment

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can elevate your heart rate and make you feel slightly more on edge than usual--even if you aren't doing anything stressful at all. For this reason, it is a good idea to skip out on the coffee or latte and soft drinks before your appointment.

Have a light, protein-rich meal before your appointment

Sugary foods and snacks can leave you more jittery and anxious than usual. Likewise, carbohydrates tend to translate to an elevated blood sugar level as they break down. So these types of foods should be avoided right before your dentist appointment. Instead, opt for a high-protein meal, which is light enough that it doesn't leave you feeling excessively full. Protein-rich foods, such as lean cuts of meat, nuts, and even eggs, have a natural calming effect.

Try yoga or meditation just before you go to your appointment

Yoga and meditation are both healthy for your body, but also your mind. Trying yoga or meditation just before your appointment in a short session can help calm your nerves, give you a renewed sense of focus on your breathing, and help you find calmness which will carry over while you are seated in the dentist's chair for treatment.

Don't go to your appointment too early

Most dentist's office will recommend that you get to your appointment a few minutes early, but there is no reason to show up any more than that unless it will be your first visit to a particular place. Getting to your appointment early will give you too much time to stress over what will happen once you get called back while you are waiting, which is never a good thing because you may talk yourself out of the appointment altogether.

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