7 (Slightly Weird) Tips For Feeling Good At The Dentist

paper bib chic

​Hate going to the dentist?

Turns out as many as 48% of us have dental anxiety, or a fear of going to the dentist.

While I wouldn't say I *hate* going to the dentist, I have a mouthful of fillings that have needed to be replaced and repaired over the years - not my favorite experience.

Because I'm such a proponent of routine maintenance as self care (whether that's getting a haircut or going to the eye doctor), I thought I'd share my 7 (slightly weird) tips for making dental visits more pleasant.
 ​

Don't mind me, just walking my adult security blanket down the street

Brave Self Care's
7 (slightly weird) tips for feeling good at the dentist​

1. Communicate! Let your hygienist and dentist know what you might be feeling nervous about so they're aware. Agree on a hand signal for if you need them to pause or adjust something during your dental work.
   
   
2. Bring something to do while you wait. A book, magazine, or cards to write help pass that awkward time between getting checked in and seen by the dentist.
   
   
3. Security blankets aren't just for babies. When I have a filling done (and I've had sooo many done 🤦‍♀️), I bring a blanket to wrap around the lower half of my body. This helps me feel more protected and cozy, especially if the AC is blasting!
   
   
4. My college classmate told me she's seen patients bring a pillow for behind their knees - sounds like a supported yoga pose!
   
   
5. Most places have sunglasses so you're not staring into the bright light above you, but bring your own if they'd help you feel more at home.
   
   
6. Bring your own music, podcast, noise-canceling headphones or even a good ol' pair of earplugs to counteract the sounds of suctioning, polishing and (if you're me) drills.
   
   
7. Bonus: Consider asking if your dentist's office uses laughing gas (also known as nitrous oxide) for the procedures that make your hands sweat.
   
   😄 I had my first laughing gas last week and went into a ~very~ warm and fuzzy place while my filling was fixed. Anyone else??
   ​

Sometimes, even when we know, intellectually, what we need, we're verrrrry good at avoiding it. Including the dentist's office.

That's where I come in, helping my clients follow through on the things that are going to keep them healthy, balanced, and moving toward wholeness.

I'm a life coach for moms and nonbinary parents, specifically because I can relate to your joys and challenges. I have different coaching packages to meet your specific needs.

 If self care coaching sounds like what you need, hit the blue button and let's get started!
 
I love coaching moms and nonbinary parents so they can prioritize themselves even as they care for others.

>> get in touch to get started!