How to Handle Dental Fear?

Are you scared to visit the dentist, so you delay or avoid dental treatment? Do you even feel embarrassed to talk about it? Don’t worry about that, you are not alone!

Many people have a fear of dental treatment. This fear usually originates from an early dental experience that was unpleasant or painful. Despite the fact that most of today's dental procedures are considerably less painful or even pain-free, these negative emotions in the subconscious remained.

Let’s Talk about Dental Anxiety or Dental Fear 

Dental fear is stress associated with dental setting. Things like needles and drills can trigger dental anxiety. For some people even the sound of a dental drill is enough to send shivers down their spine.

How to Deal with It?

There are valuable techniques and therapies available when working with psychologist or other providers, if your fear is more serious. Of course we do not cover all these in this section, but there are things you can do on your own to work with fear and anxiety.

Let’s See These Tricks

Honesty Helps

Be honest with your dental professional and talk about your fears and concerns over the upcoming treatment. Your dentist will go the extra mile to ensure comfort. 

Optimal Timing

Consider what time of the day you can relax the most and select the appointment time accordingly. Optimal timing will help you to go through the session much easier.

Mind What You Eat

Be mindful of your food and beverage intake before visiting the dentist. What you eat or drink has effect on dental anxiety and certain food and beverages have the potential to worsen it. Caffeine, sugar and sodium may induce stress, so skip coffee and tea on the morning of the dental appointment. Drink cool water or smoothie instead. 

Take a Deep Breath

While some people respond to stress by shortening their breaths, others hold it back for excessive periods without realising what they are doing. Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it. Hold it in for at least four seconds and exhale for four seconds. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe in gently and regularly during the dental treatment to maintain the proper oxygen levels.

Get Familiar with the Procedure

Learning more about the treatment, the tools and about the dental clinic can help you overcome fear. Watch dental tutorials on YouTube or short videos on Instagram. If you are capable of dealing with the new situation or environment, at the end of the day you will feel comfortable in it.

Don’t Forget, Practice Makes Perfect! 

Dental anxiety is common, but there are ways to help you manage it. 

Routine dental check-ups, cleans and X-rays of the teeth are really important. It helps the dentist find any problems early and can prevent dental disease. With regular examinations simpler and less invasive treatments are needed, while avoiding the dentist can result in oral conditions.