Can Distraction Help You Get Through a Dental Visit?

For many people, going to the dentist is not a comfortable experience. Whether it’s the sound of the drill, fear of pain, or general anxiety about being in the chair, dental visits can be highly stressful. But one often overlooked strategy for coping with this fear is surprisingly simple and effective: distraction.

At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we understand how powerful the mind can be during treatment—and we support using healthy, focused distractions to help patients stay calm, reduce stress, and improve their overall experience. In this blog, we explore how distraction techniques work, which ones are most helpful, and how you can use them at your next dental appointment.

How Distraction Helps Manage Dental Anxiety

Distraction shifts your attention away from a source of discomfort or fear and focuses it on something neutral or enjoyable. When your brain is engaged in an activity, it’s less likely to fixate on negative thoughts or amplify physical sensations. This doesn’t eliminate the procedure, but it can make the time pass faster, reduce perceived pain, and lessen emotional discomfort.

Distraction is especially helpful for patients who:

Have mild to moderate dental anxiety

Are triggered by the sounds or sensations of dental tools

Have trouble sitting still or relaxing

Experience anticipatory stress before appointments

The Science Behind It: Why Distraction Works

When you’re anxious, your body’s stress response kicks in—elevating your heart rate, tightening your muscles, and increasing your sensitivity to pain. Distraction activates different parts of the brain, redirecting mental energy away from fear and toward a task. As your attention shifts, the brain has less capacity to process discomfort, allowing you to feel more relaxed and in control.

Effective Distraction Techniques to Use at the Dentist

1. Listening to Music or Podcasts

Bringing headphones and listening to calming music, a guided meditation, or a favourite podcast can reduce environmental triggers like the sound of drills or suction tools. Choose content that feels soothing, familiar, or engaging enough to hold your focus.

2. Watching Videos (if allowed)

Some dental offices provide screens mounted above the chair, allowing patients to watch TV shows, movies, or nature visuals during treatment. Focusing on a video distracts both sight and sound—great for patients who feel overwhelmed by the clinical setting.

3. Mental Exercises

Try counting backward from 100, mentally reciting song lyrics, or visualizing a peaceful scene. These internal tasks occupy your mind and reduce anxious thought patterns.

4. Stress Balls or Fidget Toys

Squeezing a stress ball or using a small fidget toy provides a physical outlet for nervous energy. This tactile stimulation can ground you in the present moment and prevent your mind from spiraling.

5. Guided Breathing

Focusing on your breath—slow inhales and longer exhales—serves as both a calming practice and a mental distraction. Counting breaths or syncing breathing with a calming mantra adds structure and focus.

6. Aromatherapy (if permitted)

Certain scents, like lavender or peppermint, can offer a soothing distraction for your senses. If you’re sensitive to smells, ask your dentist if you can bring a lightly scented essential oil on a tissue to keep nearby during treatment.

Combining Distraction with Other Comfort Techniques

Distraction works best when paired with other strategies that increase comfort and reduce fear, such as:

Positive reinforcement: Celebrate small wins after your appointment.

Open communication: Let your dentist know when you’re anxious—they can explain each step and offer breaks as needed.

Conscious sedation: For patients with higher levels of fear, oral sedation or nitrous oxide can be combined with distraction for maximum comfort.

Relaxation routines: Practice calming techniques like progressive muscle relaxation before your visit.

At McLevin Dental, we tailor every appointment to your needs—including integrating distraction methods that help you feel more in control.

Distraction Isn’t About Avoidance—It’s About Empowerment

Using distraction isn’t about ignoring your feelings—it’s about managing them in a healthy way. By creating a positive focus, you’re giving your nervous system space to calm down. Over time, these techniques can help reshape your experience of dental care, turning it into something more manageable, and even routine.

How McLevin Dental Supports Anxiety-Friendly Appointments

At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we believe that patient comfort is essential. We support patients in using distraction tools, bringing personal comfort items, and customizing their experience to feel less overwhelmed and more at ease. Whether you need time to settle in, want to listen to your favourite playlist, or prefer to zone out with a show, we’re here to make that happen.

We also offer sedation options and trauma-informed care for patients who need additional support beyond distraction alone.

Final Thoughts

Distraction is a simple yet powerful tool for getting through dental visits with less fear and more ease. Whether it’s music, a mental game, or a calming visualization, shifting your attention away from what worries you can make a real difference in how you experience care.