Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

A sparkling white smile is a necessary component for making a good first impression. Keep your oral heath a priority and make sure that you visit the dentist once every six months. Seeing the dentist for a cleaning twice  a year helps ensure that you take care of the negative effects of tooth decay and plaque buildup. If your fear of the dentist is keeping you from making and going to your appointments, then you need to find ways to deal with your stress. Here are three ways to put your fear of the dentist to rest.

Get your dentist on the same page so he can help.

Thinking about the dentist might give you hives, but you need to realize that your dentist's priority is not only to see to your oral health, but also to make you comfortable during your appointment. Explain to your dentist that you are apprehensive about coming into your appointment and go into detail about what makes you uncomfortable. Your dentist can assist you in making your appointment more comfortable. For example, your dentist may schedule your appointment during a quieter time when fewer people are around if that is what makes you anxious.

Block outside stimuli with sunglasses and headphones.

Many times, the things that trigger your anxiety are the sights and sounds associated with a visit to the dentist. The whirring of the drill, the dripping of the water, and the reflective light all contribute to a state of unrest. In order to block out those stimuli, go to your dental appointment prepared. Listening to soothing music or a playlist of your favorite tunes can help you relax during your appointment. A simple pair of headphones can solve a lot of problems. You can also take it a step further by wearing dark glasses to help block out lights and any sights that make you anxious.

Sedation dentistry completely erases your unease.

If you are unable to work through your issues with the dentist, sedation dentistry may be the way to go. Sedation dentistry consists of taking a medication or gas in order to help you relax. You should ask a friend or family member to help you get to and from your appointment. Before you know it, your appointment is over and you are able to meet your goal of maintaining proper oral hygiene and keeping your smile bright and white.