5 Things to Do If You’re Scared of the Dentist
The dental profession has a bad rap for eliciting stress, fear, and anxiety in some patients. Many aspects of a dentist’s office—smells, needles, the sound of the drill—can trigger negative feelings. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we understand what dental anxiety can do to patients. Before you step foot in our office, there are five things you can do to alleviate your worries and look to your next check-up with more optimism.
Signs of a Dental Anxiety or Phobia
As many as 20 percent of Americans avoid the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Severe dental anxiety can morph into a dental phobia, which is an irrational fear and avoidance of the dentist. Other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder, can also increase worry and interfere with getting regular dental care.
If you have dental anxiety, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Crying
- Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat
- Low blood pressure or fainting
- Sweating
- Using aggression or humor to mask anxiety
- Withdrawal
If the mere thought of the dentist fills you with fear, it can be tempting to put off regular check-ups or seek attention for pain or more serious issues. Over time, avoiding the dentist can mean a minor condition worsens, requiring more complex or invasive treatment.
5 Ways to Overcome Your Dental Anxiety
If your fear or anxiety gets in the way of your getting proper dental care, you’re not alone. Here are five things you can do to regain control and reduce or manage your dental fear:
1. Talk to Your Dentist About It
It’s essential to speak up if you feel anxious or uncomfortable. Besides, your dentist or hygienist at Beckham Square Family Dental wants to know! They’ll be happy to discuss what triggers your fear so that they can take the right steps to help keep you calm.
Choose a dentist who’s willing to pause during a procedure when you’re feeling too scared. Raising a finger or giving another signal can help you feel safe and in control when you’re in the chair.
2. Acknowledge Your Past Experiences
Suppose you have had a bad experience with fixing a damaged tooth or getting a cavity filled. In that case, it’s understandable if you’re not hurrying to schedule future dental appointments. But believe it or not, there are dentists out there who are compassionate and want your dentist visit to be positive.
If you need dental care, take the time to find a professional with positive reviews from past clients. Consider speaking to your dentist ahead of your appointment. Acknowledging what happened to you in the past will give your dentist a chance to answer your questions and alleviate your fears.
3. Try Relaxation Techniques
Before you go to your appointment, try to develop a positive mindset. Do what helps you relax, such as stretching, meditating, or listening to your favorite music. Some patients find controlled breathing to be beneficial.
4. Bring a Family Member or Friend
They say misery loves company, but perhaps the company you keep during a dental appointment can make you feel better. If you have a close friend or trusted family member, ask them to accompany you on your visit. They can stay in the waiting area, or you might ask your provider if they can sit in the exam room with you.
5. Ask Questions During Your Appointment
There’s rarely a wrong time to ask a question during your appointment. If you don’t know what your hygienist is doing, are uncomfortable, or have another concern, it’s okay to speak up or signal that you have a question. Even if you need to take a break, let your provider know, and they’ll be glad to stop and make sure that you’re doing okay.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Supportive Care
We work hard to help patients of all ages reduce their fears and feel more comfortable when they come to the office. If dental anxiety seems to have a grip on you, the staff at Beckham Square Family Dental will work to understand the source of your fear and take measures to make you more comfortable. Whether it’s a professional cleaning, root canal, or chipped tooth repair, your experience should be positive and as pain-free as possible.