🦷 Best Bands to Listen to in the Dentist’s Chair (Shoutout to Kristen @ Smile Source North 🤘)

by Ian Primmer — CommonX Podcast

Let’s be honest — most of us would rather be anywhere else than reclined under a bright light while someone scrapes away at our molars. But sometimes, the right music and the right person behind the mask can change everything.

This morning I found myself back in the dental chair, mouth numb, AirPods in, bracing for the worst. But my hygienist Kristen changed the game. She was calm, patient, and so gentle I barely realized the cleaning had started. For once, I wasn’t white-knuckling the armrests. I was vibing.

🎧 The CommonX Chair Playlist

If you’re lucky enough to have a hygienist who lets you plug in, here’s the ultimate Gen X-approved soundtrack for your next appointment — equal parts chill, nostalgic, and dentist-chair zen:

1. Nirvana – “All Apologies”
   A soft-grunge lullaby for your nerves. Kurt’s voice somehow makes even the sound of scraping feel poetic.

2. The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979”
   A hypnotic hum that turns the whir of the polisher into background ambience.

3. The Cranberries – “Dreams”
   The gentle rhythm and Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals make the chair feel like a daydream.

4. Foo Fighters – “Learn to Fly”
   Because even in a dentist’s chair, there’s a strange freedom in just letting go and floating through the moment.

5. Men Without Hats – “I Love the ’80s”
   The perfect closer — CommonX had the world debut of this track, and it’s impossible not to smile while it plays.

😁 Shout-Out

Huge thanks to Kristen and the crew at Smile Source North for restoring my faith in dentistry. I walked out feeling cleaner, lighter, and weirdly… happy? Never thought I’d say that. Additionally, April is also amazing she was just out today.. just sayin 😎🤘

Turns out, sometimes it’s not about avoiding the dentist — it’s about finding the right playlist and the right person behind the mask.