Post by letsconnect on Mar 9, 2005 8:55:15 GMT -5
Detroit Free Press (http://www.freep.com/news/health/newx8e_20050308.htm )
From: Health news
Afraid of dentists? Just breathe deep
March 8, 2005
Dentists increasingly are taking steps to put patients at ease, Cowan says. But there are things patients can do to help themselves:
* Visit the practice before selecting a new dentist. Make sure you like the style of the dentist and his or her staff.
* Ask the dentist questions about approaches used to control pain.
* Practice breathing techniques before your appointment to help you relax during stressful moments. "Feel the cool going in the nostrils and hot air going out the mouth," Cowan says.
* Use visualization to imagine yourself somewhere more pleasant during your appointment -- perhaps an oceanside vacation or favorite hiking spot.
* Try aromatherapy and find a scent that soothes and calms you. Bring a little tube of that oil with you to your appointment.
* Ask your dentist if you can use headphones to listen to your favorite music or a book on tape if the practice doesn't already provide them.
From: Health news
Afraid of dentists? Just breathe deep
March 8, 2005
Dentists increasingly are taking steps to put patients at ease, Cowan says. But there are things patients can do to help themselves:
* Visit the practice before selecting a new dentist. Make sure you like the style of the dentist and his or her staff.
* Ask the dentist questions about approaches used to control pain.
* Practice breathing techniques before your appointment to help you relax during stressful moments. "Feel the cool going in the nostrils and hot air going out the mouth," Cowan says.
* Use visualization to imagine yourself somewhere more pleasant during your appointment -- perhaps an oceanside vacation or favorite hiking spot.
* Try aromatherapy and find a scent that soothes and calms you. Bring a little tube of that oil with you to your appointment.
* Ask your dentist if you can use headphones to listen to your favorite music or a book on tape if the practice doesn't already provide them.
