While it's not typical for dentists to use essential oils in their practices, there are some that are beginning to incorporate these natural oils to help patients relax while they are there. If you are one of the 30 to 40 million people that suffer from dental fears, you might think that this would be worth a try. When essential oils are used properly, they are completely safe and can offer a lot of great benefits. If you locate a general dentistry clinic that uses essential oils, they might use them in one of these ways.

Air Misting

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to use essential oils is by creating a solution that you can spray into the air. This type of solution is like an air freshener, except that it offers more effects than typical air fresheners that you can purchase at a store.

Air misting solutions are made by mixing water with essential oil. The amounts of each ingredient vary, and almost any type of oil can be used for this. Some oils smell better than others though, and each essential oil available offers different types of effects. Depending on what type of oil the dentist uses, the air misting spray could offer some of these effects:

• Cleaner air – Some oils are have antibacterial properties and when they are sprayed in the air, they will actually purify the air somewhat. Lemon essential oil is a common one used for this purpose.
• Calming effects – Certain oils are known for helping people relax and feel calmer, and these are the types that many dentists use simply because dental fears are so common. Lavender oil is commonly used for this purpose and because it has a fresh, light scent.
• Good memories – Research shows that there is a major link between smells and memories. If you visit a dental clinic and smell a great, distinct scent, smelling it again in the future might trigger good memories, and this could be very beneficial for anyone that is afraid of dental work.

Air misting is a great and simple technique some dentists may currently be using, but it is not the only method that is used for essential oils.

Diffusing

Diffusing is a second method your dentist might use for offering the benefits of essential oils. Diffusing is similar to air misting; however, diffusing offers longer-lasting results. A diffuser is a small electric device that you can place essential oil in. When you turn it on, it will begin forcing the oil into the air in the form of small particles.

As you, and other patients, breathe in the air in the office, it may help you relax and feel less anxious about your visit. Some of the scents your dentist might use for this purpose include orange and cinnamon.

Topically

For people that are really uptight about having a dental procedure, a dentist might recommend using essential oils topically. To do this, a dentist will place a couple drops of oil on a person's hands or wrists, and the person will then be instructed to breathe in the fumes from the oils. According to recent studies, people that did this with lavender and orange oil had lower levels of anxiety and nervousness during dental procedures.

Many types of essential oils are safe for topically use, but others are considered hot oils, which means they cannot be used on the body without being diluted first.

If you have always been nervous about dental visits, you may want to find a dentist that uses essential oils, or you can try using them at home before you go to your dentist visit.