How to Help Your Spouse Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can hold people back from getting routine care for their teeth and gums, which maintains their oral health. In some cases, dental anxiety can be so severe that someone might opt to try to wait out the pain to avoid sitting in the dentist’s chair. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies that you can use to help your spouse get comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist.

Take a Virtual Office Tour

Modern dental offices have come a long way from the ones your spouse might have visited in the past. While dentists still maintain hygienic offices, you’ll find comfortable chairs, softer lighting, and other elements that eliminate many stressors. Sitting with your loved one as you look at pictures of your local dental clinic can help them acclimate to the new environment.

Suggest Relaxation Strategies

If your loved one can pinpoint the source of their dental anxiety, then you can suggest solutions. For instance, listening to their favorite playlist can eliminate boredom and help drown out any sounds from the equipment. Sunglasses can help block out bright lights, and dentists today use an array of pain relief techniques. Putting together a list of strategies for relaxing helps your partner feel more in control of their experience.

Choose an Understanding Dentist

Finding the right dentist makes a big difference in your spouse’s comfort. When you reach out to a local dental clinic, you can let them know that your spouse has dental anxiety. Understanding dentists can also offer strategies for reducing dental anxiety during the visit. For instance, your spouse’s dentist might recommend scheduling the visit first thing in the morning to avoid having anxiety build up throughout the day.

Request a Simple Dental Visit

Your spouse might be envisioning having an invasive appointment that involves extensive dental work. While this might be necessary for an emergency issue, such as a broken tooth, your spouse might be able to schedule a simple visit. During an initial new patient exam, dentists tend to take things as slowly as the patient needs. If your spouse can only tolerate an exam and X-rays, then count it as a win. They’ll likely be willing to return for a cleaning or filling after experiencing a comfortable visit.

Offer to Accompany Them to the Appointment

You might not be able to take your spouse’s place in the chair, but you can offer to hold their hand. Letting your spouse know that you’ll be with them every step of the way can help them feel more confident about tackling their fear. Depending on your spouse’s needs, you may be able to stay with them during the exam or at least enter the room for the initial consultation.

If dental fear is impacting your spouse’s oral health, then it helps to know that you aren’t alone. Reaching out to a local dentist who is known for their gentle touch makes it possible to give your loved one a comfortable dental experience that alleviates their concerns. Knowing that you’ve helped your spouse overcome their dental anxiety is something to smile about.