Many people fear going to the dentist. Why is the dentist so scary, though? The first thing to consider is what’s fueling your fear of the dentist.
Is it the fear of the unknown? Visiting the doctor’s office is something that happens more commonly for people than visiting the dentist. Because you might not have visited the dentist on a regular basis in the past as you do your doctor, this might cause you to fear the unknown.
Visiting the dentist, however, is important if you want to maintain good oral hygiene. Luckily, there are a few ways to overcome your dentist phobia. In the guide below, you’ll find a few ways to do just that.
Continue reading to find out more!
Visit the Office Beforehand
If you’re visiting the dentist for the first time, then it’s a great idea to meet with the dentist beforehand. Take the time to visit the office in person and meet with the dentist and staff. Once you’re able to talk to them and meet them in person, it can help give you some peace of mind.
You should also take the time to find a dentist you can trust. Don’t simply choose the first dentist you find on the internet. Instead, research several different dentists.
Look at their websites and their reviews. Ask for references and speak to each one about the types of services they offer. If you take your time to find a good dentist, then you’ll have some peace of mind when it comes time to schedule your appointment.
Start Off With Simple Visits
If you’re not used to visiting the dentist, consider asking your dentist if you can start off with simple visits and working your way up to more complicated ones. For example, rather than scheduling your first appointment as a deep cleaning appointment, allow your first visit to be a routine oral exam.
On the next visit, you can take care of any necessary dental procedures. Starting out with more simple visits will help you ease into the routine of visiting the dentist.
You’ll become used to the environment and different dental tools. By the time you schedule your cleaning, you’ll be ready to go without much fear!
Speak to the Dentist About Your Fears
Fear of going to the dentist is normal. Many people suffer from this fear. If you’re having difficulty overcoming it on your own, then don’t hesitate to speak to the dentist about these fears.
Be open and honest about the things you’re worried about. You might be surprised at how willing the dentist is to help ease your fears. Write down a list of all the concerns or questions you have.
When you speak with the dentist, go down your list and write the answers out. Sometimes, the main cause of fear is not knowing what to expect. Speaking with your dentist will give you a better understanding of what to expect from each appointment.
You can also ask your dentist to show you each dental tool and explain to you what it does before using it.
Remember to Breathe
While at your appointment, it’s important to remember to breathe. As the dentist works on your mouth, you may feel inclined to hold your breath. Holding your breath, however, can actually cause you to become more panicked or anxious.
Instead, be sure to remember to breathe during the entire procedure. If you need to practice breathing exercises before the appointment, then be sure to do so. Slow, regular breathing is best.
Relax the mind and try to focus on something else.
Bring a Friend With You
If you’re feeling extremely anxious about your visit, then you can also consider bringing a friend or family member with you. Having someone there to comfort you can help relieve your anxiety. Make sure to bring someone who’ll make you feel better and not add to your fears.
Choose someone you trust who doesn’t have their own fears of the dentist. It’s also a good idea to schedule your appointment during non-rush hour times. Ask the office when the slowest time to come in is.
Use Distractions
Bringing a distraction with you can help you concentrate your mind on other things. Instead of your dental procedure being the main focus, consider bringing headphones with you to listen to your favorite music. Play your favorite playlist to listen to rather than listening to the sound of the dental equipment.
Allow yourself to become lost in the music and forget about the dental procedure taking place. When you’re not forced to listen to all the loud noises of the dental equipment, it’s easier to relax and breathe.
Ease Your Fear of the Dentist Today
Worried about your upcoming visit to the dentist? You can ease your fears of the dentist today by using the helpful tips listed in this guide above. When you keep these tips in mind and take the time to find a reputable dentist you can trust, you can ensure a wonderful experience at the dentist!
Ready to overcome your fear of the dentist?
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and get to know the dentists and the staff at Willow Creek Way Independent Dentists!
