Do you dread that cleaning every six months? Have an oral procedure that is causing both pain and stress? Be prepared for your next trip to the dentist's with a couple of ways to combat the tension.
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Whether you find a visit to the dentist's mildly stressful, or downright terrifying, going in with a reduced level of stress may help you to have a better experience.
Relaxation Prior to a Dental Appointment
If your stress levels are revving up every time you look at that appointment on the calendar, find a way to get relaxed before you go in. Everyone is different in what helps them to relax, here are some common activities that may help reduce stress:
massagereflexology arm batharomatherawpyjogging or exerciseyogameditationWhat not to do:self-medicate without informing your dentistuse alcohol or recreational drugs to relaxPleasant Diversions for the Dentist's Office
Unless you know that your dentist offers distractions in the exam rooms, bring your own tools to take your thoughts away from procedures. You can always check with the receptionist at the time of booking an appointment to see if they have amenities to reduce your anxiety.
Possible diversions for the dental chair:
Bring an MP3 player and run the headphone cord under your shirt/blouse so it doesn't get snagged by the hygienist's fingers or a tool.Ask your aromatherapist to make an essential oil blend for stress reduction that you can wear or smell.Wear an aromatherapy eye pillow - use the kind with a velcro or elastic band so it doesn't slide down onto the nose.Prop a portable DVD player on your lap with your favorite movie playing.Guide Your Thoughts in the Dental Chair
Mental diversions can be very effective while sitting in the waiting room or in the chair and can range from meditation to preparing your shopping list.
Close your eyes and imagine your favorite place, like the beach or a deep green forest. Guide your mind through the sights, sounds and smells: salty ocean breezes, soft moss under your toes, the roar of waves or trickle of a mountain stream.
There are audio programs on the web that offer low cost or free guided meditation files that can give you ideas on how to relax the body by using the mind. Hypnotherapy is also a good resource on mind-body relaxation and some hypnotherapists offer a CD recording for stress reduction for purchase or as part of an appointment at their office.
Continue the Relaxation after a Tooth Appointment
As the numbness wears off, the discomfort can be stressful for the dental patient, so keep up with the distractions or relaxation techniques after you go home. Ask the hygienist or dentist about suggestions for over-the-counter pain relievers before you leave the office - some medications may not be recommended due to blood thinning effects or interactions with a medication you received during your appointment.
Play soothing music on the way home in the car.Use a microwavable heating pad on the neck and shoulders to relax muscle tension.Ask a loved one for a soothing foot rub or hand massage.Limit physical exertion to prevent feeling woozy or light-headed.
cleaning3 Community Member 
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