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Oral Health Resources

Find downloadable information about common dental issues and procedures. For more information catering to your patients’ needs, visit www.KnowYourTeeth.com, the Academy of General Dentistry’s public Web site.

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   >>> Anxiety   Related articles:
  • What Do Dentists Do to Relieve Anxiety?
  • Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office?

    • >> Can Music Help Overcome Dental Anxiety?
  • Anxiety Contributes to Oral Health Problems
  • How Dentists Help Anxious Patients
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    Can Music Help Overcome Dental Anxiety?

    Relaxing in a comfortable chair, wrapped in an afghan and listening to Barry Manilow may not be how one envisions a dental visit. However, for fans of the pop star, this specialized care helps some patients soothe dental anxiety. Many dentists are turning to music, television, pillows, blankets, aromatherapy, calming office decor and even hand massages and virtual-reality glasses to help patients overcome dental anxiety.

     

    New amenities may help create a calming, friendly environment, yet studies prove that the most important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is good dentist-patient communication. 
     
    It is estimated that up to 40 million Americans don't go to the dentist because of fear and anxiety.

     

    Updated: February 2007

     

     
    The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/public.

    Contact: The AGD public relations department at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org.

    Note: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.