Afraid of the Dentist

It is important for you to comprehend the importance of mouth health. Poor oral conditions can wreak havoc on the rest of your body, and heart disease, blood diseases, diabetes, stroke, and pre-mature births all find some sort of association with the mouth. These regular dentist appointments are just as important as your yearly physicals, colonoscopies, breast exams, or any other test or procedure that doctor may deem necessary to your overall health. You have to take care of your mouth, so follow these tips to make the experience less stressful.

If it is anxiety that has you dragging your feet, know that many dental or primary care physicians will prescribe mild anti-anxiety medications to be taken before the appointment. Do not try to self-medicate in an effort to relive your stress. If you feel that medication is necessary or if you would like to consult with your dentist about the possibility, make this your first order of business. If your fear is extraordinarily irrational, you may need to consider some counseling sessions in which you will learn some hard-core coping techniques.

If counseling and medication is a little over the top for the minor fears that you have, start by searching for a compassionate dentist. Be open and honest about your situation, and do not commit to seeing someone with whom you are not comfortable. Most doctors will be glad to make accommodations for you.

Suggest some things or ask the doctor or dentist to suggest some things that may help you relax. Perhaps you can listen to your iPod during the exam, or you can suggest that the doctor speak continually about something totally off topic. It will be hard for you to engage in conversation, so this technique will require a doctor who is skilled in one-sided conversation or one who speaks the language of his open-mouthed drooling patients.

Come up with some kind of hand sign that will signal that you need to take breather or that you need to say something, and make sure that the entire staff is familiar with the signal. Most doctors and medical professionals who have had experience with those who fear treatment situations agree that most incidents can be avoided with proper breathing techniques as it is the fear itself that cause the patient to faint or break down not the treatment. Practice breathing, and ask the doctor to monitor your breathing so that he can tell you when you need to focus.

If your anxiety does not seem to be containable with any or all of the aforementioned ideas, sedation dentistry may be the path for you. Ask your provider for details and possibilities.