As a child you are afraid of a lot of things. From the shadows under your bed to the old man down the street, your imagination gets the best of you every time. The fears you develop in your childhood can then turn into phobias in your adulthood. There are many people in the world who fear insects, clowns and even cats.
One fear that a lot of people are known to suffer from is dental phobia. When was the last time you went to a dentist? When was the last time you got your teeth checked for any cavities? Asking these questions from a person who suffers the phobia will never give you a straight answer and will completely avoid talking about it. These excuses however, can sometimes prove fatal as not getting proper treatment can cause an infection.
This is why a need for overcoming your dental phobia is a necessary. Once you give it a try, you will definitely find that dentists are not as bad as they seem to be. However, this means you have to fight against your nerves to actually go to the dentist’s office in the first place. Here are several ways to overcoming your fear and taking a step to ending your phobia, once and for all.
1. Recognize your fear:
The first and foremost thing that needs to be done is realizing what you are really afraid of. Write what you fear the most about going to the dentist and write the reason why. This way, your dentist will be able to guide and reassure you as to what and why you fear dental treatment. You can discuss your experiences with him.
2. Find the right Dentist:
Sometimes, it’s the dentist that you do not connect with that can cause the fear of dental treatment. You need to feel comfortable with communicating your fears to the dentist, which is why you need look do some research when looking for a good dentist. That means asking family and friends for recommendations and searching online yourself. Make a list and start calling the offices for more information. Notice how they talk and how welcoming they are. Once you’re satisfied, set up an appointment and prepare yourself for the next big step.
3. Bring someone along:
As the old saying goes, ‘there is strength in numbers’. Similarly, if you were to bring someone along to the day of the appointment, you will feel comfortable in moving forward. Many people quit at the last stage and it is crucial that you have a friend or family member supporting you while you take this leap of faith.
4. Practice relaxation techniques:
One of the relaxation techniques you can try out is controlled breathing. Inhale heavily and exhale slowly. This will calm your heartbeat as well as your muscles. Phobias usually tense up the muscles hence this exercise can reduce the effects and make you more comfortable with accepting your situation.