Stressing about visiting the dentist is not that unusual. In fact, millions of Canadians and people around the world will report that a visit to the dentist can instill more fear than going to the doctor or sitting in an interview for a job they desperately need.
If you’re experiencing fear or stress and anxiety about an impending visit your dentist, laughter can actually be the best medicine.
The most important first step in addressing the stress and anxiety is to learn as much as possible about what to expect on this dental visit. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, there could be any number of issues with your teeth, or none at all. Some people who haven’t visited the dentist in 10 or more years may find that they have no cavities or other issues to address. Others may find numerous cavities, gum disease, and major problems.
The more you know about what to expect with this visit, the easier it’s going to be for you to temper your expectations and stress. Sit down with the dentist to find out exactly what will happen on this particular visit.
Once you have a pretty good idea of what will happen, the week before and each day leading up to your dental visit, watch as many comedy shows, movies, or listen to comedy acts from your favorite stars. Laughing can help you reduce stress and forget a lot about what you’re worrying about with regard to this upcoming visit.