Eight Ways to Shake Your Fear of Dentists

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Eight Ways to Shake Your Fear of Dentists-Chispa MagazineIt’s the night before your next dental appointment and you’re having trouble sleeping. Your mind keeps you awake, tormenting you about the horrors you will face in the morning as you sit on the chair and let someone examine your mouth with strange paraphernalia. Maybe you suffer with anxiety to the point where you feel nauseous even being at the dentist.

Sometimes you hope you would just be sick to save you from having to turn up to your appointment. Interesting: You will be surprised to find out how many people are fearful of dentists and feel uneasy with the whole idea of objects being placed in their mouth that can cause them pain. Hooray, this is why we have written a helpful article outlining eight ways of combating your fears so that next time you go to the dentist, you won’t have to worry about the cold sweats and sick stomach.

  1. Play a little music to ease your mind. I have heard some people bringing in their iPod or MP3 player so they can make it through their dental appointment. If that’s what it takes, your dentist won’t mind you playing some calming, familiar music to help you combat your anxiety. You will be surprised how much your favorite songs and classical pieces can have a calming effect on those parts of the brain that control anxiety and increase the chances of your brain releasing positive hormones to make you feel better.
  1. Distract your mind with the TV. Quite often, dentists have TVs situated somewhere in the room. If at best, the TV will be placed conveniently above you on the ceiling. So next time, watch it. Follow the TV show or news item that’s on and immerse yourself in it. Taking your mind off what is happening by focusing on something else is a good way of coping with anxiety.
  1. Finding a dentist you can trust. Sometimes we might not know it, but it could be that we don’t feel comfortable with our current dentist, but don’t want to change. However, sometimes change can be the best thing for us. If you’re looking for one, you can search for a reputable Brisbane dentist; many of them are offer a variety of surgeries and other reliable and trustworthy dental services.
  1. Talk to your dentist. This might sound simple yet it can make a world of a difference. Having your dentist speak to you, in plain and understandable language, can help you to see what’s going on in your mouth and exactly what they are doing to rectify any issues.
  1. Get a feel for the equipment. Fear of strange sharp objects that will be entering our mouth isn’t unnatural. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask your dentist if you can hold the equipment before you get started. This is a good approach as it will put your mind at rest; seeing these objects aren’t as foreign as you once thought.
  1. Find a funny dentist. Often when we are nervous, something as simple as a good joke or humorous comment can calm us down and make us see there is really nothing to worry about. So, finding a dentist with a good sense of humor might be a great idea if you suffer with anxiety.
  1. Block out the noise. It might be the fear of loud shrieking noises and drilling that makes you shiver inside. If that’s the case, bring some noise-cancelling headphones on your next appointment and see if it helps.
  1. If it’s the lying down you hate, bring a pillow. Sometimes as soon as we feel the chair going down we also feel our heart beat faster. If so, try bringing a pillow or large cushion to keep you more upright and make you feel at ease.

It’s safe to say that fear of the dentists isn’t a new thing. In fact, one in four of us dread visiting the dentist (I used to be the one), but putting some of these tips into action will help you see that the dental clinic isn’t such a scary place after all. With a little practice you can overcome your worries and start to feel more at ease when you go for check-ups.

Photo by Corey Blaz

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Milo Senalle

Milo Senalle

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.

Milo Senalle

As one of the managing editors of Chispa Magazine, Milo Senalle is the go-to man for all things technology, ethical, and financial concerns. Providing laughs with his style of writing and problem-solving techniques, Milo is a voice of reason among the girly staff at Chispa. Married with children, living in Atlanta, he works 24/7 on becoming a man of courage and believes honor begins at home.