Most of us experience some amount of apprehension when visiting the dentist or doctor. But for some people, fear of the dentist is so overwhelming that they actually postpone their regular visits or – much worse – don’t visit the dentist at all. If you don’t visit the dentist for professional exams and cleanings on a regular basis, it’s extremely likely that you’ll compromise your oral health. And poor oral health is linked to poor overall health. So if you experience a great deal of anxiety and fear of going to the dentist, it’s time to take steps to alleviate those feelings!
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make it easier to keep your dental appointments.
- Find the best dentist for you. Locating a dentist who understands your level of anxiety is the first and one of the most important steps in overcoming your fear. Many dentists offer a variety of dental sedation techniques that can help. And some dentists go a step further by specializing in treating patients with dental phobia. Call the dentist office first, and be open with them about your level of anxiety. Ask what measures they take to help patients with their fear of the dentist.
- Start out with simple procedures. If you have a lot of apprehension about going to the dentist, starting out with a root canal isn’t a good idea. Instead, ask your dentist if you can begin with just an oral exam, maybe followed later by a professional cleaning, then milder procedures sometime after that. Allow yourself to get used to sitting in the dentist chair and to have relatively positive experiences before having any major work done.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you to your appointment. Make it someone who is comfortable with dental visits. You know the old adage that there are safety in numbers. You’re likely to feel more at ease if you’re accompanied by someone who understands your anxiety and can be there to provide moral support.
- Try different relaxation methods. Techniques like controlled breathing, for example, really do help to put us at ease. Breathe in deeply, then let it out very slowly. This practice actually slows down your heartbeat and helps to relax your muscles.
- Ask your dentist about dental sedation. Most dentists offer some form of sedation, such as laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or oral sedation. Find out what forms are offered by your dentist, and ask which might be the best choice for you.
- Seek counseling for your anxiety. You need to enjoy good oral health for a whole list of reasons, so it’s important to be able to visit your dentist on a regular basis. If you try everything else and nothing works, consider seeing a counselor or psychologist for more help.
Dental phobia is no laughing matter. If your anxiety is causing you to cancel dental appointments, take steps to overcome your fear. And don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist about it. Sometimes the simple act of talking about our fears will help to ease them and allow us to make good decisions about any other steps we should be taking to overcome the anxiety.
