How to Deal With Dental Anxiety/Phobia

For some going to the dentist is not a big deal, for others, its a major ordeal that is difficult to get through without some sort of help. If you have a dental phobia here are some tips to help you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trusted friend
• Great dentist
• Occasionally anxiety medication
• music
• good book

1. The first thing you need is an understanding dentist. To find one you can search the phone directory, but what does that really tell you about the dentist?
   
   Ask your friends and family for recommendations of a good dentist in town. Go in to make your appointment rather than call on the phone and observe the staff and how they interact with the other patients.
   
   Admit to them that you are a dental wimp with a dental phobia and share your feelings honestly. Often they can do things to alleviate your fears by either explaining in more detail (or less if need be) how they do things during cleanings, fillings etc.

2. During your dental visit, take a friend or family member with you that knows you are anxious and have a dental phobia regarding the visit. In many instances the dentist office will allow your family member or friend to go back with you to the dental chair.

3. Avoid anything anxiety producing prior to your visit. This includes caffeine and any other stimulating food or drink. Eliminating these from your diet will help to lessen your anxiety prior to the visit.

4. If you are on anxiety medication, make sure you are taking it correctly. Ask your doctor if you need something stronger prior to a dental visit. Sometimes they can prescribe something to give your body a little extra boost for alleviating your anxiety during this time.

5. Consider an herbal anxiety spray or elixir. Many pharmacy's carry such herbal remedies. Check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to using these to make sure they won't interfere with any of your other medications. You may only need to take this when you are scheduling a visit to the dentist for your phobia.

6. Take along soothing music (which you can often listen to during the exam with ear phones) or a great book to read. A lot of the anxiety is while waiting in the waiting room. If you distract yourself you are already ahead of the game.

7. After your appointment, reward yourself or schedule a "reward lunch" with a good friend for when your mouth is feeling better.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let your fear keep you from getting proper dental care.
• Proper dental care can alleviate many medical conditions.
• Consider counseling if your fear is so great you absolutely cannot go to the dentist.
• Brush your teeth at least twice per day.
• Floss your teeth daily.
• Follow your dentists recommendations for your returning visits.
• The more you go, the easier it gets.
• Don't feel obligated to return to a dentist that is rude or laughs at your anxiety and dental phobia.
• Ignore anyone else's horror stories!

[NatalieJ]

on 8/11/2009 Great tips. 5*