How To Cope With A Fear Of The Dentist

No matter what anyone says everyone is afraid of something. It may be a fear of spiders, losing loved ones or death; the severity may change but the feeling of fear is the same.

Some fears can be ignored and avoided, but others need to be faced at some point. The dentist is one of these. At some point you’ll have to go; it’s best to learn how to cope with a fear of the dentist today instead of waiting until you have no choice about going.

It is important to note that you’re not alone; it is estimated that as much as 15% of the population suffers from dental fear and many more from dental anxiety.

Here’s how to cope with it:

Find A Sympathetic Dentist

Step 1 must be to speak to several dentists or ask your friends which of their dentists is the most sympathetic. Fear of the dentist is a very real issue; you need a dentist that understands this and can help you to get through it. Click here to look at a good option.

The Preliminary Visit

You need to go to the dentist at least once or as many times as it takes to help you get over the fear. But, the trick is to go to the dentist and sit in the waiting room; not to actually see the dentist.

It s best to tell the dentist hat you are doing.

After a few visits you should be able to move your visit into the dentist’s room; even if you don’t have anything done.

This can then progress to sitting in the chair and ultimately opening your mouth to allow them to take a look.

Music Can help

While you are waiting you can use your MP3 player to drown out the sounds of the dentist. This will help you to stay calm as you wait for your appointment. The dentist may even allow you to continue to listen to your music while they examine your teeth.

Make A Signal

Before you even sit in the chair you need to agree a signal with your dentist. If the fear gets to great you can do this signal at any time during the visit. The dentist will immediately stop and you can talk it through and decide whether to continue or not.

This is why it is so important to find a sympathetic dentist.

Sedation

If you’re really struggling to get over your fear of the dentist it is possible to ask for some light sedation. This can be reduced over subsequent visits until you don’t need the sedation.

The Clinic

If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling to even step foot in the dentist then it’s time to visit a therapist and talk about your fears. Just talking can help you to realize why you are scared of the dentist and how to deal with that fear.

If you are determined and persevere you can overcome your fear of the dentist.