Keep in mind that your fear of the dentist is normal. There is no reason to be ashamed of your fear. Many people around the world share this phobia. It should not prevent you from receiving the proper dental care, which can have serious effects on your health and your ability to socialize.
Recommendations for Good Oral Health
- Schedule two annual visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleaning if necessary. (Not visiting the dentist regularly can lead to cavities, abscesses, tooth breakage or loss, and bad breath.)
- Be aware of your fear and try to remember what or who caused it.
- Share your fears with the dentist; they will surely provide a logical and reassuring explanation.
- Identifying the sources of your dental phobia can help you take preventive measures to overcome your fear of the dentist.
- If you can’t identify a specific experience that caused your fear, it may stem from a memory or social fear, such as horror stories related to dentists from your friends or family.
- Thinking about what triggers your fear and confronting it will help you overcome it.
- Recognizing that everything has improved and treatments have evolved will help you conquer your fears.
- Look for a nearby dentist who is warm and empathetic, someone who understands your situation and makes you feel comfortable.
- Seek advice when choosing a dentist; if they are recommended, it’s because people feel comfortable with them. Look for recommendations online, and check the experiences of other patients.
- Once you find a dentist you feel comfortable with, start with a dental cleaning and schedule your follow-up sessions. This will help you build a trusting relationship with your dentist.
- Maintain open communication and stop the treatment at any time if needed. As you have better experiences at the dentist, your fear will gradually diminish.
- Use positive reinforcement, and slowly, those traumatic memories will fade with positive ones.
- Use relaxation techniques, such as deep, calm breathing. Medication may also be used to calm you before the appointment. Many dentists will suggest using nitrous oxide, sedatives, or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam) to relax you during your visit. Try breathing exercises to relax. You can breathe rhythmically, counting to 4 seconds while inhaling and another 4 seconds while exhaling. If it helps, think of the word “let” while inhaling and “go” while exhaling to make your mind release your fear as much as possible.
- Listening to music or watching TV, as provided by your dentist, can relax you and reduce your fears. You can also use a stress ball to distract and relax yourself during the appointment.
- Bring a friend or family member to your appointment. Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you. They can distract you from the procedure and help calm you down. If you are extremely anxious, ask the doctor if your friend can join you in the procedure room. Knowing that someone you trust is in the room with you can help you relax.
- Prevent serious dental problems with regular visits. Many people fear the dentist because of complicated and often painful procedures, such as root canals. By having regular cleanings and check-ups, you will not only help yourself overcome your fear of the dentist, but you will also prevent serious oral health issues.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing after every meal, using dental floss, and rinsing with mouthwash. These habits will help prevent problems.
- The more frequent positive check-ups are, the faster you will overcome your fear of the dentist. Reward yourself after positive appointments. After an appointment, reward yourself with something you want or by doing something fun. This can help you associate dental visits with rewards instead of fear.