Although it may not seem like it, fear of the dentist is very common. This is why many people don’t go to the dentist regularly, which can put their oral health at risk, and therefore it’s important to learn how to overcome that anxiety.
Origin
There are several reasons why dental anxiety arises. It’s usually related to past negative experiences. It’s also often linked to the discomfort of teething.
Other reasons for this anxiety can include having objects in the mouth or experiencing pain due to a mistake made by the dentist. The cost of necessary treatments and the fear of not being able to afford them also play a role.
Furthermore, studies confirm that parents transmit their fear to their children, suggesting it can be considered hereditary. Therefore, the role of parents is crucial in helping to manage the spread of dental anxiety.
Dentist-patient relationship
Para mantener nuestra salud bucodental, se debe asistir al dentista de forma frecuente. Aun así, existen personas que pueden estar años sin ir al dentista por la ansiedad que éste les genera. A pesar de esto, se debe comprender que las revisiones periódicas favorecen la prevención de otros problemas más graves que puedan aparecer en el futuro.
Si no sabes cómo superar la ansiedad al dentista, es posible que el secreto esté en el dentista en sí. Es importante encontrar a una persona que nos dé confianza, que nos informe sobre todos los tratamientos necesarios, cómo trabaja y, por supuesto, que nos ayude a estar tranquilos y relajados.
It’s important to know that dentists don’t intentionally want to cause us pain. Furthermore, current treatments and technology are very advanced, so we can feel more relaxed and comfortable during our appointments. Some dentists also specialize in working with patients who experience dental anxiety.
If you have this problem, it’s a good idea to tell your dentist before your appointment. This way, they’ll be informed about the situation and can take appropriate action. The dentist will then offer recommendations and try to reduce your anxiety.
If necessary, it’s also a good idea to visit several dentists and ask your closest friends and family for recommendations to find one you truly trust. It’s best to choose someone who is friendly and easy to talk to. Also, find out if other patients with the same problem have visited their practice so you can get answers to any questions you may have.
The consultation: how to prepare to go
Once you find the right dentist, it’s not necessary to go to the consultation the first time; it’s better to meet them and explain the situation.
The importance of oral health and the need for these types of treatments must also be taken into account, since if this oral health is not maintained, other even more serious problems will arise, such as infections or tooth loss.
It’s important to identify the cause of the anxiety and discuss it with the dentist. This way, the person can find solutions based on the problems they’re experiencing. The first appointment usually involves a simple checkup or cleaning, so it’s not the time to worry about more complex treatments.
In addition, it’s helpful to find ways to relax and avoid anxiety before or during your appointment, such as taking a walk, going to the dentist in the morning, or listening to music during your visit. Your dentist will also usually offer suggestions on what you can do in the hours leading up to your appointment to reduce anxiety.
How to overcome anxiety?
It is very important to prepare before going to the dentist, so some recommendations should be followed and attention paid to some things before the appointment:
- Visit the consultation before requesting the appointment time. This way, you have the opportunity to meet the dentist who will treat you and explain your fears to him.
- Look for a compassionate professional who can explain whether dental treatment with sedation is an option. This person should inspire a great deal of confidence, as this is crucial for people with anxiety, which may have stemmed from a previous negative experience.
- The first appointment is usually a check-up and doesn’t hurt, so there’s no need to worry about surgery. You can start with teeth whitening or a dental cleaning, and later move on to more complex treatments, depending on your needs.
- Technology is very advanced, so most treatments no longer cause pain and there is always the possibility of oral sedation.
- When the cause of anxiety is having objects in your mouth, it’s important to confront it beforehand. At home, you can practice holding a spoon in your mouth for a few minutes each day. This way, when you go to the appointment, having something in your mouth will feel less strange.
Recommendations
- Bring another person to the office as a companion. The dentist won’t mind and will relax you.
- Agree with your dentist on a signal to indicate a pause or pain. This will help you feel in control and allow you to calm down. It will also prevent you from making sudden movements and put both of you at risk.
- Listen to music that calms you down during your appointment.
- Arrive right on time or just a few minutes early to avoid anxiety from waiting. If you have to wait, distract yourself by reading or talking to someone.
- Ask the dentist to explain what they’re doing while they work. Hearing their voice might relax you, and you’ll also know exactly what they’re doing.
