Are you afraid of the dentist? If so, don’t worry- you’re not alone! According to Colgate, around 40 percent of the population has a strong fear of the dentist. Some even have a fear so paralyzing that it prevents them from getting the dental care they need.
Without proper preventative cleanings, these people eventually develop serious issues that lead to pain or lost teeth. Fortunately, there are several options available for dealing with dentistry fear so you can get the necessary care your mouth needs. Continue reading to learn what they are!
Be Upfront with Your Dentist
The first step in dealing with your fear of dentistry is being honest with yourself and your dentist about these worries. Dentists understand that these fears are real, and they won’t dismiss your fears or judge you. Instead, they’ll work with you to come up with a plan that will help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.
Distract Yourself
Distractions are often a good way to help divert your attention away from the procedure. Consider bringing headphones and an iPod to listen to music. Even better, choose a new album so you’ll concentrate more on the new songs that you haven’t heard before. You can also use a stress ball or run through mental exercises, like counting by three or going over state capitals.
Here at Snow Family Dentistry, we offer movie glasses so you can distract yourself by picking a movie to watch while you receive treatment!
Bring a Companion
To provide some extra comfort, bring a close friend or family member that will support you. Oftentimes, simply having someone there who understands your feelings can give you all the reassurance you need. Also, try to get one of the first appointments of the day. That way, you won’t spend the entire day worrying it.
Try Self-Regulation Techniques
Self-regulation techniques can help you stay calm during dental treatments. One popular relaxation technique to try is deep breathing. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and then let it out very slowly to relax your muscles and slow your heartbeat. Meditation can also slow your heartbeat. Consider practicing a few weeks before your appointment to calm your nerves when you’re in the dentist chair.
Look for Therapeutic Support
If your fear is so intense that none of the previous techniques work, you can also turn to therapeutic support. Hypnotherapy has worked for some patients. Additionally, you can sign up for counseling sessions with psychologists who specialize in addressing phobias.
Having a fear of the dentist shouldn’t prevent you from getting the care you need! If you are a part of the 40% of the population that does, no worries! Here at Snow Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing a relaxing and comforting environment for all of our patients. We will work hard to put you at ease and accommodate you in any way we can. Please call us at (480) 982-7289 to schedule an appointment today!
