Dealing With A Fear Of Going To The Dentist

Gain The Confidence You Need To Access Dental Care

Are nerves holding you back from visiting the dentist? Take small steps today to overcome this personal health challenge. 

Half of the UK population has a fear of going to the dentist, with 12% experiencing this as an extreme phobia according to the Oral Health Foundation. This tops the list of typical fears and anxieties, even beating fear of heights into the number one spot. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or have just watched too many TV shows which exaggerate the drama behind a visit to the dentist, it’s actually quite common to be anxious about sitting in the big chair. But issues can arise with how you deal with this fear. If you’re skipping your recommended six-monthly check-up or are missing out on essential treatment altogether because you’re worried about the injections or drilling that might be involved, then this will negatively impact your dental health in the long run. The ironic thing is, the less you visit the dentist, the more likely you’ll need to. The following tips will help you face up to your fears and put your dental health in the best possible hands. 

Choosing An Understanding Dentist 

Dentists have plenty of experience in seeing nervous patients, but it’s important to choose a practice that you feel reassured by. Begin by picking up the phone or attending the surgery in person to set a date for a check-up and explain that you experience strong nerves about this type of appointment. The point of contact at the dentist will be able to offer you a reassuring conversation without any judgment in order to help you access the dental care that you require. In fact, a professional dentist Essex team explains that offering additional support to nervous patients is rarely needed for more than two to three appointments, as the anxiety has often faded by facing up to the initial fear. 

Ask Questions 

Fear of the unknown can be a huge factor in your anxiety related to going to the dentist. This can easily be alleviated by asking the dentist lots of questions and taking your time to process the information before beginning a check-up or treatment procedure. You may prefer for this type of discussion to be carried out before you even sit in the chair, or enter the treatment room. A reputable dentist will take the time to provide you with all the information you ask for, explaining any detail you wish to be clarified so that your mind is put at ease. One of the biggest questions on your mind may be related to pain, so the dentist will be able to discuss which pain-relief options may be required. 

Emotional Freedom Technique 

EFT is a useful technique that can be used to help you get to the root of any anxiety and overcome any barriers to receiving treatment. EFT works by using a tapping method to access meridian points on the body, in a way that is similar to acupuncture but without needles! Attending an EFT session will provide these meridian points with energy which will realign your nervous system and help you to feel calmer and more at ease about visiting the dentist. Many patients only require a single EFT treatment before they’re feeling significantly less anxious. 

Your dental health is key to your overall well-being, so if you’ve been feeling nervous about visiting the dentist, take positive steps today to overcome this personal barrier.