Key Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Visiting Your Dentists
One of the most common fears in the world is being afraid of the dentist. Whilst for some people this is a major concern and renders them scared of the whole concept of a dental checkup, many experience less anxious feelings surrounding the dentist. The dentist is such a worry that it is estimated almost half of UK adults have some level of fear of the dentist.
No matter what level your anxiety about the dentist, this can lead to you not going, causing issues with your dental health. But the dentist does not have to be a scary place, so read on for some helpful tips from Acorn Dental Health on how to overcome anxiety about a trip to a dental practice.
The Consequences Of Avoiding The Dentist
Sometimes the reasons to avoid going to the dentist can put you off going, but it is important to know some of the consequences to show you the importance of going. Even if you think there is nothing wrong with your teeth, problems can still develop which can only be caught by a dentist.
By avoiding the dentist, you might suffer from gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, stained and discoloured teeth, tooth loss, chipped and broken teeth and much more. Some of these problems can even lead to further problems down the line, such as affecting your sleep or regular migraines.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Sorry for potentially scaring you in the above paragraph, but it is important to know what will happen if you don’t visit a dentist regularly. Now let's move on and share some solutions to overcoming anxiety about visiting the dentist.
Recognise Your Fear
A great first way to overcome dental anxiety is to try and get to the bottom of your fear. A fear or anxiety surrounding visiting a dental clinic can be caused by a few different things. Some are worried about the potential pain that goes with dental treatments,however with modern-day techniques dental treatment is a lot more comfortable than it was in the past.
Many are also afraid of the loss of control and the feeling of what is about to happen whilst others might be embarrassed about their dental health, creating a fear of being told off. People might have also had a bad experience at the dentist in the past, which can make you feel distrustful about the experience.
Dental treatment has come a long way in a short amount of time, so even if you had a bad experience as a child, things have probably changed and you will probably have a much better time. If you can recognise where your fear and anxiety about the dentist comes from, it can be a lot easier to acknowledge this and move forward.
Find A Dentist You Get On With
If you have dental anxiety, forming a bond with the staff at your dental clinic is a great way to overcome this fear. Many are afraid of having a stranger or someone they don’t get on with having so much control in this situation, not wanting to have their fingers near their mouth or performing any treatments.
If you are afraid of the dentist, try and find a dentist that you get on with. This can involve chatting with them on the phone before your treatment, making sure you know exactly what is going to happen and why they are doing it.
Here are some further tips for finding the right dentist:
● Great reviews from patients
● Relaxing and comfortable dental office
● Modern dental treatments
● Friendly, caring staff
● Qualifications
Get In The Right Mindset
If you are anxious or afraid of the dentist, it can be easy to slip into this mindset in the lead up to your dental treatment. This can make you feel worse as you continue to spiral out of control. So ahead of your appointment, take some time to get in the right mindset!
It is thought to be beneficial to do some deep breathing exercises or meditation on the lead up, to keep your mind and body calm. This way you can enter your appointment in the right mindset and not feel any anxiety or fear.
Bring Someone Along
If you’re anxious about something, you don’t ever want to do it by yourself! So if you have any fear surrounding the dentist, bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. Most dental practices will allow you to bring someone with you, whether this is to wait in the lobby during your appointment or with you in the waiting room.
Tell Your Dentist
The worst thing you can do if you’re suffering any anxiety is to not let your dentist know. If you’re not actively exhibiting any anxious or fearful symptoms, they might not know how upset you are feeling.
Telling your dentist is a key way to overcome anxiety, as they can then adjust their style in conjunction with your feelings. This could mean them being gentler in their approach, or explaining each step to you to make sure you know what is about to happen.
Ask Lots Of Questions
Leading on from this last point, if you are anxious about what is going on, let your dentist know and voice any concerns you have about the dental treatment. This could be any concerns about what is happening, asking what instrument is being used or even just asking if you can have a moment before continuing treatment if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
A good dental expert will gladly accommodate any questions and requests you have, with them aiming for you to be as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
Friendly And Expert Dental Checkups In Hedge End
Hopefully this article will have persuaded you there is nothing to worry about when visiting the dentist. Here at Acorn Dental Health, we aim to make dental treatments as stress-free as possible, providing high-quality dentistry in a friendly, relaxed environment from a team of dental experts.
With over 60 years in the dental industry, we have honed a customer-centric approach which puts your wellbeing at its core, providing a great selection of treatments including dental hygiene, cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.
For friendly services that you can rely on to make your trip to the dental clinic as stress-free as possible, get in touch today to find out more and book an appointment.
