Overcome Fear Of The Dentist

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Overcome Fear Of The Dentist

Let's face it, a visit to the dentist isn't high up on your list of "things to do today". Even my own dentist said she doesn't like having her teeth examined, so it's quite normal to be at least apprehensive about a visit to the dentist.

But an actual fear of the dentist?

One that stops you from going anywhere near a dental surgery?

It's actually quite common.

So how do you go about overcoming your fear of the dentist?

Start by asking friends and work colleagues who they use. Not all dentists are equal and some have a better way of dealing with nervous patients than others.

Meet your potential dentist face to face. Quiz them about how they deal with people who have a fear of dentists.

Make sure your dentist knows about your phobia. This goes for the visit to the dental hygienist as well. That way they're not taken by surprise if your fear comes to the surface.

If possible, take a close friend or loved one to sit through the procedure with you. If your dentist won't allow you to do this, find one who does.

If you're stressed about something else, take steps to relax more often and de-stress your life generally.

Listen to a specialist hypnosis MP3 to help overcome your fear. They're cheap and very effective.

More Ways To Get Rid Of Fear Of The Dentist

Find a method that helps you to relax.

Many people turn almost rigid as soon as they set foot in a dental surgery, let alone sitting in the actual dentists chair.

Remember to breathe!

Nice, long, deep breaths will help to calm you while you are waiting for your dentist to work on your teeth.

If the noise of the drill is what puts you off, ask your dentist if you can wear your iPod headphones during the procedure. Listening to your favorite music will help distract you.

Don't let your dentist start work until the anesthetic is working. Of course, if you have a fear of needles then you'll need to talk with your dentist about any alternative methods of making your gums numb while the drilling takes place. And don't be afraid to tell your dentist if the numbness wears off early.

Don't take anti-anxiety drugs just before your appointment. If you regularly take these drugs, make sure your dentist is aware of what you are taking so they can make sure they don't react with anything they are using. Ideally, use a natural relaxation technique instead.

For the best and quickest cure for any phobia, including phobia of dentists, check out this 10 minute phobia fix.

What's Your Biggest Fear About Going To The Dentist?

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More Help To Overcome Your Dental Phobia

Overcoming Medical Phobias: How to Conquer Fear of Blood, Needles, Doctors, and Dentists

Amazon Price: $22.43 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

Easy-to-read and practical guide teaches readers who experience extreme fear in situations involving blood, injections, surgery, physicians, and dental procedures, how to understand and overcome their medical phobia.

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  • Reply
    ladentist Jul 19, 2010 @ 8:03 am | delete
    This is an excellent lens
    Full of useful information for dentist seekers
    Thanks for the info
  • Reply
    smileinla Jul 19, 2010 @ 6:48 am | delete
    Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your page and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your page posts.Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon ok thanks for sharing the views with me.
  • Reply
    mitchdcba May 3, 2010 @ 5:22 am | delete
    I hate going to the dentist and I'll bet that you do too! If people hate doing something or going somewhere, they delay it for as long as possible. However, if you delay or keep rescheduling your appointments with your dentist, it will only make things worse. Some people who haven't been to the dentist in years are honestly scared to go back because they don't want to know what the damage to their teeth is.
    rocklin dentist
  • Reply
    LucyWaters Mar 30, 2010 @ 3:36 am | delete
    Hey - great and detailed article on a very popular subject - I notice no one has mentioned using Thought Field Therapy to help with this (and other) phobia - TFT is a tapping therapy, meaning that you tap on various meridian points on the body, the emotions associated with your fear collapse and you can't get them back. I helped a woman who had had a profound phobia for 37 years, using TFT - within ten minutes the fear had gone - read what she said here: http://www.lucywaters.co.uk/about/testimonials/fear-of-the-dentist
    There are associations in the USA http://www.atft.org/index.php and the UK http://www.btfta.org/ where you can find details of local practitioners. How will it feel to be fear free?
  • Reply
    May 1, 2008 @ 9:30 am | delete
    Hi Trevord
    Good lens! Shined your stars up big time! Good job!

    Thom

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Trevord

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