This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring the link between mental and oral health — and we’re starting with 3 simple ways to ease dental anxiety. Count your breaths 🧘 Breathing exercises can help you stay calm before or during your appointment. Try inhaling slowly and counting to eight, then exhaling and counting back down to one. Be open with your hygienist and dentist 🧑‍⚕️ Let your dental professionals knows how you’re feeling so they can help put together a care plan that works for you. Listen to music 🎧 A playlist, podcast, or audiobook can distract your mind and help drown out the noise of dental tools or instruments. If you need help with your mental health, you can find screenings, warmlines, crisis resources, and more at mhanational.org/finding-help. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth