How To Reduce Your Fear of Dentists

Posted by writer on October 6th, 2008 at 09:19pm

It’s quite normal to be afraid of dentists. Gee, even the dentist I visit admitted she doesn’t like to visit a dentist, so if she does dentistry for a living and is afraid…?

Not to mention the sharp pointed implements they poke around with. And the ever present sight of a drill.

So, how can you get over your fear of dentists?

1. Use a sympathetic dentist

By that, I don’t mean just choose a dentist because they do good work (fortunately most all of them do). I mean that you should choose who’s aware of your nervousness and who has successfully dealt with patients the same as you already. If necessary, check with your friends and people you work with. In the same way that certain doctors have a good bedside manner, it figures that certain dentists work better with nervous patients that other dentists do.

2. Interview your potential dentist

Don’t commit yourself to a dentist before you have actually talked with them. Tell them that you have a fear of dentists and find out what they can do to help you and reassure you when you visit for a check up or to have fillings, crowns, etc.

3. Take a friend or work colleague

Ask your dentist whether or not you are allowed to bring a friend when you have a dentists appointment. Someone to figuratively or literally hold your hand whilst you are visiting. If they won’t allow this then, unless they’re the only dentist in town, move on to the next dentist on your list.

4. Relax as much as possible

OK. While you’re laying back in that chair and you grip the chair’s arms so tight you can feel the frame inside, this likely isn’t easy. Especially the first few times you try it. But taking up a relaxation method – this may be meditating, listening to relaxing music, learning a breathing exercise, whatever. Next, when you are glued to the dentists chair, recall your relaxation and breathe in deeply. Rather than the shallow breaths that you’ve done previously.

5. Use hypnosis

Yes. This actually works. You can download a simple hypnosis track to help overcome your fear of dentists and listen to it in the privacy of your own home. Over a few days or weeks of listening to a fear of dentists hypnosis track, you’ll find them becoming less scary.

Tags: afraid of dentists, dentist fear, fear of dentists

Under Motivation