How to Deal With Dentist Phobias

It’s no secret that visiting the dentist is one of the most common phobias across the nation and around the world. Many men and women, young and old, are terrified of the dental chair and absolutely avoid their regular check-ups at all costs. There are a number of reasons why you may be afraid of the dentist and there are a number of solutions you can try to help you get the oral heath and hygiene care that you need. 

Some people are afraid of the dental visit simply because they are embarrassed that they have bad teeth. This is obviously a self-perpetuating fear because the longer you avoid the oral hygienist, the worse your teeth will get and so on. Instead of being embarrassed about your teeth, simply accept the fact that you have the teeth you have and your dental professional will be able to help you fix any problems you think you might like to address. Talk to your oral healthcare provider. They are here to keep you healthy, not to make fun of your poor hygiene habits. Although, they may scold you about not flossing enough!

Other people are afraid of the dental chair because they feel like they totally lose control of the situation and suddenly have no power over the invasive procedures going on in their mouth. This is a common reaction that can easily be controlled and avoided through improved communication with your dentist. Simply tell him or her how you feel so they can help you confront and overcome the problem. 

Other reasons that many people are afraid of having their teeth worked on include the visual and aural stimulation, such as drill noises, smells, and the feel of things in your mouth. Some of these things absolutely cannot be avoided, but many dental offices have headphones and TVs installed in the ceilings to help distract you and block out the noise. Most dental offices attempt to blunt the sensory overload as much as possible and ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout the procedure. If you absolutely cannot shut off your brain, you may want to consider a sedative medication that can help you relax. Ask your dentist for more information.

As you can see from the above suggestions, finding a dentist you can trust and talk to is the first step in overcoming your fears. Shop around to find someone that makes you feel at ease and is available to answer questions or address your concerns. There are many different types of dentists out there with many different types of bedside manners. Find one that fits you and help your teeth look and feel better.