According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months to prevent against cavities and gingivitis. If you can't even remember how long it has been since you stepped foot in your dentist's office then it's time to evaluate why. If you are like most people, you probably dread going to the dentist because it makes you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and just uncomfortable overall. But because going to the dentist is something that everybody should do, this article will list a few ways that you can calm your nerves and anxiety. Read on to learn more. 

Deep Breathing

If you feel like once you actually sit in the dentist's chair that you are good to go, then you may just need to calm your nerves by practicing some deep breathing exercises while you are in the waiting room. To do proper deep breathing exercises, slowly inhale through your nose, hold your breath for about 5 seconds, and then exhale slowly (and in a controlled manner) through your mouth. Deep breathing is a great way to slow down your heart rate and make you feel a lot less anxious.

Talk About It

Another great way for you to get over your fears is to tell your dentist ahead of time and have them talk you through the entire procedure. Sometimes, fear of the unknown is what causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety but by having your dentist explain every step, you will hopefully feel a lot calmer. 

Sedation

If you feel like you are too anxious throughout your entire dental cleaning, then ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a new method that a lot of dentists use to help patients, like you, feel calmer and more comfortable. Usually, for something small like a dental cleaning, your dentist will only use a mild form of sedation, like laughing gas, or he may use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and make you feel better. Another option that your dentist may recommend is taking a drug like valium to help you to feel as calm, cool, and collected as possible. Contact your dentist today to see if they offer sedation dentistry and whether or not they think that you are a suitable candidate for this option. 

As you can see, there are a variety of different options that you have to calm your nerves before your twice a year dental cleanings.