Relaxation Tip #49: At the Dentist’s Office
Are you one of those people who gets tense and nervous the second you walk into your dentist’s office? Does the sound of the drill and the sight of needles just send you into a fit of nervousness? I understand. I’m the same way. The fear of pain makes the entire process most unpleasant. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Relaxation Tip #49 is just for you…
Take deep breaths of Citrus and Lavender to relax before, during, and after a visit to the dentist’s office.
When University of Vienna researchers diffused the scents of orange and lavender into dentists’ offices, anxious patients reported they felt calmer. Both scents contain the chemical linalool, which seems to alter blood chemistry to lower stress.
Mention this research to your dentist and ask him/her to invest in some diffusers and calming essential oils, or add a few drops of each oil to cotton balls, place in a plastic bag, and take deep breaths while at the dentist’s office.
According to Dr. Neilson, a dentist in Utah, his patients have been more calm and relaxed since he began diffusing Citrus Bliss and Lavender essential oils in his office. Good dental health is important, so don’t let fear or nervousness keep you from visiting the dentist. Just be sure to bring along your dōTERRA essential oils!
Comments
A few months ago, I was in full-panic mode as my dentist was drilling to fit my tooth for a new crown. I am afraid of pain, so much so that my dentist had to stop several times to quiet and calm me down. At my next visit, I rubbed two drops of Serenity (contains Lavender) under my nose and inhaled deeply for several minutes, trying to squelch my rising fear of pain. It worked! So well in fact my dentist remarked how calm I was…she was able to install my crown without having to stop multiple times to calm me down! When I told her how I used Serenity, she wanted to pass the info along to another patient of hers who is also unable to relax at the dentist office!!
Vera B.
March 21st, 2010