5 Ways to Overcome Fear of Dentists
Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common amongst people. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety.
Why Do People Fear the Dentist?
It is important to invest in good Dental Care because the condition of your mouth affects the health of your entire body. Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common amongst people. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of the anxiety and fear they experience.
Why Do People Fear Dentists?
Fear has been shown to be related to previous bad experiences at the dental office. When you have experienced any type of discomfort in previous dental procedures, chances are good that you will be more anxious at your next appointment. Another main reason why people fear dentists is because of a lack of control. As Ellen Rodino, Ph.D a psychologist in Santa Monica, Calif., who has studied dental fear, says:
“It is not so much from the experience of pain as from the lack of control that patients experience in the dentist's chair.”
Five Ways to Overcome Fear
So, before going to your next dental appointment, here are 5 ways to help you overcome fear.
1. Recognize and be Honest about Your Fears
Write down your fears so that you can recognize what they are and talk about it clearly with your dentist when you schedule the appointment.
2. Find the Right Dentist
When looking for a dentist it is a good idea to ask for recommendations from a friend. You can also read reviews about their practice.
The Right Dentist
3. Bring a Friend to Your Appointment
It can be a great comfort to have someone familiar in the consultation room with you – especially if they have no fear of dentists!
4. Try to Relax
Implore relaxation techniques. Breathing in deeply and then slowly exhaling, helps to slow your heart rate and causes you to relax.
5. Use Distractions
Listening to music while the dentist is busy with your dental procedure can greatly assist in distracting you from the surrounding clinical environment.
Although these 5 tips will help you relax during the procedure, remember that the best way to overcome the fear of dentists is to take good care of your teeth!
Contact:
We know that sometimes people have questions when it comes to the dentist. Here are some questions you may have that Dr. Jeff can answer Ask Dr. Jeff
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References:
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