Despite the fact that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to both our health and our appearance, many of us are terrified of going to the dentist. These feelings of dread and unease can be triggered by a wide range of emotions and events; for example, a traumatic experience at the dentist as a child, concerns about one’s oral health, or anything similar could be the cause. But, given how vitally important good oral hygiene is, we must not allow our anxiety to paralyze us to the point where we are unable to take care of our teeth by visiting the dentist. Hence, please allow us to assist you and maybe assist you in overcoming the fear.
Understand Your Fear
First of all, you have to really figure out and understand what you are scared of. Know that your fear is common and is shared by many people all over the globe. But also know that there are solutions to problems; instead of drills probing around in your mouth, you have the option of removing cavities with a laser, as an example. You also have to realize that your fear cannot prevent you from getting the dental care you need. You should visit your dentist at least once or twice a year to properly maintain your oral health so you don’t end up with cavities, bad breath, or infections. Understand where your fear comes from, like an experience or memory, so you can then take steps to overcome that fear.
The Right Doctor
Choosing the right dentist is very important too, as he or she sets the tone for the whole ordeal. If the dentist is not warm and inviting and more, perhaps not cold but clinical, your fears might be amplified instead of dulled. So, finding the right dentist is a big step in the right direction. Probably the best way is to ask around—among friends, family, and so on—as people are generally not very likely to recommend dentists with whom they don’t feel at ease and comfortable. Google also exists, of course, so perhaps reading reviews might also point you toward the right dentist for you.
Talk, Communicate
Talking things out with your dentist can help you calm down as well, whether you are talking about the visit and procedure or something like the weather or news—anything that helps alleviate your trepidation. The right dentist will know how to help you beforehand, carefully explain everything he or she is going to do, and make some small talk while preparing, so you don’t lie there imagining everything that is about to happen to you. Distracting yourself also helps; perhaps you can listen to some music while you are having the procedure or something of the sort. Maybe do some breathing exercises to calm your pounding heart down a bit-whatever helps you.
You have to know that your fear is as old as dentistry itself, and once you realize that you are not alone, you can go about facing your fear, finding solutions and ways to dull the sharp stress of visiting the dentist, and making sure your oral hygiene is in top shape.
