Did you know that an estimated 36% of the U.S. population experiences anxiety around dental visits? Unfortunately, if this fear is extreme, you might avoid smile-saving procedures or even routine visits, which can harm your grin.
Thankfully, your dentist has many ways to soothe your frayed nerves so you can receive the care you need to protect and preserve your oral health, like offering multiple forms of sedation. However, you might be surprised to learn that they may have also intentionally decorated their office in a way that puts your mind at ease. Continue reading to learn more about how their artistic decisions can help you feel calm!
Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere
Many providers are aware that people get nervous when they have an upcoming appointment. They understand that you might already feel frazzled or upset before you ever walk through their door. Creating a tranquil and relaxing environment is a simple but effective way to reduce stress and overcome overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
To do this, your provider probably carefully considered the different decorative aspects of their space, including the:
Color Scheme
Did you know that the color blue is scientifically considered the most soothing color? Multiple studies have determined that it’s often associated with a sense of peace and serenity that can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Green is another soft tone that’s considered restful for the eyes and can induce a sense of harmony. If your dentist’s office is awash with these shades, this may be the reason why!
Alternatively, electric hues like red and yellow can increase tension and should ideally be reserved for accent walls or pops of color to limit their impact on nervous energy.
Décor
Your dentist might also have chosen the artwork on the walls to deliberately distract anxious minds and provide a pleasing focal point in the waiting room. For instance, modern art with ambiguous shapes, harsh lines, or bright colors can be somewhat jarring or create a sense of frustration. Meanwhile, landscapes or artworks in pale tan or yellow tones tend to be a positive distraction.
Small knickknacks may be kept to a minimum to reduce visual clutter, which can trigger a stressful reaction.
Scent
Your experience isn’t limited to what your eyes can see; your other senses are involved in your feelings, too! For example, the olfactory bulb in your brain that processes smells is directly connected to the amygdala, which is responsible for emotions, and the hippocampus, which is associated with memory. That means scent can easily trigger certain sensations.
If you’ve noticed that your dentist’s office has a light, floral, or soothing smell, they may use air fresheners to reduce your anxiety.
As you can see, there are several ways your provider can help you feel calm enough to make it through your upcoming appointment!
About the Author
Dr. John White enjoys helping people improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina, and has since earned his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, a feat achieved by less than 1% of licensed practitioners. He offers a wide array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including various forms of sedation to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout your visit. You can request an appointment on the website or call (828) 684-3020.