When you visit the dentist, are you less than relaxed? Perhaps you’re a bit nervous, or maybe even scared. You’re not alone. An estimated 80 million Americans avoid getting the dental care they need due to fear. At my dental office in Little Falls, we understand. We also know how important regular dental care is for overall health, so we’d like provide top tips to help you relax at your next dental visit.

Dental problems not only affect the mouth, they can also affect your body. And when you avoid the dentist out of fear, you’re putting your health at risk. Take gum disease, for example. Approximately 64.7 million Americans have gum disease and, as a result, are at increased risk for heart disease, strokes, and even cancer. One of the best ways to avoid dental problems like gum disease that can lead to whole-body issues? Visiting your dentist in Little Falls regularly.

What to do if You’re Scared

• I wear my sunglasses at… the dentist! It may sound silly, but adding some sort of distraction while in the dental chair can make a big difference. Sunglasses can help ease the harsh, bright light, music can create a welcome distraction, and earplugs can block out any unpleasant noise.
• Get by With a Little Help From Your Friends. If you don’t currently have a dentist, a great place to start your search is with friends and family members. Talk to several people you trust. Get to know about their dental experiences and their individual dentists. You might find out someone close to you also fears the dentist! Then hit the World Wide Web.
• Research. Take some of the dental offices your friends and family use and check them out online. Read reviews, visit their websites, research their credentials. The internet is full of great information that can help find the right dentist for you.
• Be an Open Book. When you’ve narrowed down your choice of potential dentists, give them a call. Be open and honest about your fear and listen to how the team answers your questions. Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, have a talk with your dental team. Make sure they understand your concerns. It’s ok to ask them to describe each treatment and to discuss a signal you can use if you need a break.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of fear, give my Little Falls dental office a call. We’ll never make you feel embarrassed about your anxieties or lecture you, and we promise to respect your concerns and work with you to ease your nervousness. More importantly, we’ll make sure to get your smile healthy so your body can stay healthy, too.

Accepting patients from Little Falls, Totowa, and Montclair.