Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair make your heart race? You’re not alone! Dental anxiety and phobia are common issues that affect kids and adults alike. But here’s the good news: going to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful!
At Kits Family Dental, we believe that a relaxed patient is a happy patient, which is why we’ve created a comfortable, judgment-free, tech-forward dental experience. Whether you’re nervous about needles, worried about discomfort, or just not a fan of the dentist in general (we don’t take it personally! 😉), we have plenty of ways to help you feel calm, confident, and in control.
Let’s talk about how to overcome dental anxiety and get the care you need without the stress.
Why Does Dental Anxiety Happen?
A fear of the dentist can stem from a lot of different things, including:
- A past negative experience
- Fear of needles or pain
- Feeling out of control in the chair
- Sensitive teeth or gums that make dental work uncomfortable
- Delaying visits too long, leading to bigger dental problems and more anxiety
Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist often makes things worse. Small issues like cavities can turn into larger problems like an infected tooth that requires a root canal or extraction. This then creates a cycle of avoidance and increasing anxiety.
The key is breaking that cycle, and we’re here to help.
How to Relax at the Dentist: 6 Tips for a Stress-Free Visit
- Talk to the Dental Team!
One of the biggest drivers of dental anxiety and phobia is fear of the unknown. The best way to overcome it? Open up about your concerns!At Kits Family Dental, we truly care about your comfort. Whether it’s a specific fear or just general anxiety, we want to understand what makes you uneasy so we can tailor your visit accordingly. Our dentists:- Explain each step before starting so there are no surprises;
- Let you control the pace. Simply raise your hand if you need a break;
- Offer options like DentalVibe®, a tool that reduces pain during injections;
- Adjust treatments to your comfort level.
Tip: If dental visits make you nervous, set up a consultation just to talk. No treatments and no pressure, just a relaxed meet and greet where we’ll chat about how we can help you relax.
- Listen to Music
Music can be a powerful tool to distract and calm your mind before and during a dental visit. A number of studies, including a 2022 systematic review published in Musicae Scientiae, have found that listening to relaxing music can significantly reduce anxiety.Here are some tips for using music to relax at the dentist:- Choose instrumental or classical music, lo-fi beats, or calming sounds (like nature sounds or white noise)
- Avoid high-energy workout or party music
- Stick with soft, peaceful tunes between 60 and 80 beats per minute
Tip: If you want to listen to your music during your dental appointment, bring noise-cancelling headphones to block out all dental sounds
- Try Guided Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing exercises are an excellent way to combat a fear of the dentist because they slow the heart rate, turn off the “fight or flight” response, and lower stress levels.Try this simple breathing trick before your visit:- Inhale deeply through your nose to the count of 4
- Hold your breath to the count of 4
- Purse your lips and exhale slowly through your mouth to the count of 8
- When your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the counting and breathing
- Repeat at least three times
Other relaxation techniques to try:
- Progressive muscle relaxation – Tense and then relax different muscle groups from head to toe
- Visualization – Imagine yourself in a calm, happy place
- Use a weighted blanket – Bring one from home for comfort
- Guided mediation – Download an app or make a guided mediation playlist
While we wish there was one simple hack for how to not to be afraid of the dentist that worked for everyone, it often takes a little trial and error to find the techniques that are most effective for you. Consider combining a few, such as deep breathing and guided mediation, and then tweaking your repertoire as needed.
- Start With Simple, Short Visits
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist for a long time, start small.
Perhaps you begin with a consultation and, from there, ease into a cleaning and exam. If you need treatment, our Kitsilano dentists can help you triage and create a manageable plan that allows you to get the care you need without feeling overwhelmed. - Bring a Friend or Family Member for Support
If it helps, bring a trusted friend, partner, or family member to your appointment to distract you with conversation before your treatment. Whether they sit in the waiting room or join you in the treatment room, having a familiar face nearby may make you feel more at ease. - Consider Sedation Dentistry for Extra Relaxation
If your dental anxiety is severe, talk with your dentist about taking a prescription anti-anxiety medication for dental work. At Kits Family Dental, we can prescribe anxiolytic medication for you to take about an hour before your appointment. You’ll be awake and able to respond to directions, but you’ll feel relaxed and calm. You will need to have an adult drive you home from our office.Tip: If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, talk to us before your treatment so we can discuss your options!
Comfy Treatment Rooms? Painless Injections? Empathetic Dentists? Check, Check, and Check
The team at Kits Family Dental is committed to making your visit as easy and stress-free as possible. We offer:
- Modern technology to make treatments more efficient and comfortable
- Gentle, low-pain dental injections (read more about our techniques here!)
- Comfortable treatment rooms with ceiling-mounted TVs, pillows, and blankets
- Oral conscious sedation
- A friendly team that treats every patient with respect, empathy, and care (get to know a little bit more about Kitsilano dentists in this fun Q&A)
Final Thoughts: Overcoming Dental Anxiety Is Possible!
We understand that going to the dentist can feel overwhelming for a lot of people. But the good news is that dental anxiety doesn’t have to stand in the way of a healthy smile.
By using relaxation techniques, bringing music or a friend for support, and talking openly with your dental team, you can take control of your experience and feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair. And if you need extra reassurance, Kits Family Dental is here with gentle, patient-centered care to help you through the experience.
The most important step? Just getting started. Whether it’s scheduling a quick consultation, booking a cleaning and exam, or chatting with us about your concerns, every small action brings you closer to breaking the dental anxiety cycle.
Schedule a Visit With a Kitsilano Dentist
Ready to take the first step? Let’s do this together. Book an appointment with a dentist in Kitsilano today!
