At some point in your life, you’ve probably worried about visiting the dentist. It’s probably when you think there’s something wrong with your teeth. However, there are some people that are afraid of visiting the dentist at any time and will put off or avoid visiting for as long as possible. Fortunately, it is possible to overcome your fear of dentist; you simply need to take small steps and be a little bit brave!
Step 1: Find a Dentist
Whether it is a West Pennant Hills dentist or another dentist in Sydney or Brisbane, you need to find one who you can trust to be sensitive about your anxiety. Most dentists will have some experience with the condition as it is estimated that one in seven adult Australians are afraid of visiting the dentist.
Even if you’re afraid of visiting the dentist, speak to friends and family about which professional they use and who they think will be sympathetic to your fear of dentist. You can also check out online reviews about the dental organization before going there.
Step 2: Visit but Don’t Have a Check-Up
Research suggests that part of the fear of dentist is worry about the unknown. It is, therefore, a great idea to visit your chosen dentist with a friend. Assuming they don’t have a dental phobia, they can go see the dentist for a check-up and you can simply watch the process. Sit through it without any dental work being done to you.
Hopefully this process will help reassure you that the procedures are harmless and the dentist is friendly. This experience will also help you to become familiar with the building, including where the office is located and how to sign in at the reception desk. These things can remove a lot of the anxiety of the unknown.
Step 3: Distraction
Now it’s time to schedule your own appointment. Make sure the fear of dentist is known to the professional you will go see. Giving them the heads up about the anxiety allows them to put in place anything they think will make the visit easier for you. You may even want a preliminary exam and a follow up a week or two later to feel more comfortable.
When you’re in the chair, try to distract yourself from the thought that you’re afraid of visiting the dentist. This may mean looking around the room or keeping your eyes closed during the exam. Find whatever works best for you. Even create a story in your head about the dentist and their assistant!
Step 4: Afraid of Visiting the Dentist? Try to Relax
The thought of going is often worse than actually being there. This is when your anxiety can peak and prevent you from even getting to the dental office. The best approach is to learn some breathing techniques. These exercises can help you focus on something else and reduce the amount of tension in your body. You can even do them while the dentist examines you in the chair.
Step 5: Sedatives and Fear of Dentist
If it still seems impossible to go through with the examination, then you might talk with your dentist about taking some light sedatives. They can help take the edge off of your anxiety to help you allow the dentist to do their job. Ideally this isn’t something to use every visit. A good dentist will give you less and less each time until you don’t need any.
With small steps and being both kind and patient with yourself, getting over the fear of dentist is doable. Will there be tougher days than others? Probably. But your dental health is important and you’re a fighter. Being scared of visiting the dentist is something you can conquer!
Omg! I needed this 🙂
Wishing you all the best the next time you’re at the dentist :)
Dentists are common people. They talk and they listen and help you out , whenever you seek them!
Dr Ebnis
A Dentist 😁
Yes!! Thanks for sharing, Dr. Ebnis. Would you be interested in guest posting?
It will be my pleasure!
Do tell me what I have to do?
Great! Feel free to email me at christy@whenwomeninspire.com and we’ll get the ball rolling for the guest post.
U can check your mail!
So practical, thanks for sharing it.
orthodonticspecialistsmelbourne.com.au
Awesome article!
Great to hear :D
Nooooo, you’ve just reminded me I was supposed to book my next dental check last month. I’d been hoping to wipe it from my memory! I hate going but you make some great suggestions. It can make a huge difference when you get a compassionate dentist because when you say you’re anxious (or they can easily tell you are) they try to reassure you & be more gentle, but sadly negative experiences with demon dentists can be very off-putting for future visits.xx
My mom went to the dentist yesterday and let’s just say she wasn’t looking forward to it… I’m hopeful that you are able to have a smooth visit too.
Well informative post Christy!! I only have a problem when I go for cavity filling!! But yes it’s a fearful time when you have to visit dentist
Great post! The relaxing step is the most important one for me
So glad you find this post on overcoming the fear of dentist helpful!
Hello chirsty
again impressive post thank you for sharing this use full post on “Fear of Dentist: 5 Steps to Overcome It
” this topic
Great to have you here!
Good tips – so many people fear dentists. I love mine!
Dentists tend to scare me. Although as a Preschool Teacher its my opportunity to teach my learners that dentists are not bad people…
i have always had this fear, and luckily, i finally found a very gentle and understanding dentist –
Just what I need and wrote about. I have such high anxiety about the dentist. I hate it. I need to pull out my wisdom teeth and I’m scared as hell 😭 Hopefully these tips will help me. Great post 👍
this is deeply informative, great post and so practical to know each of our steps…