A trip to the dentist can cause anxiety in most people. Dental phobia also known as Odontophobia is the worst experience in the world. Some of the reasons people have dental phobias include previous traumatic experiences at the dentist, feelings of discomfort, or a dental accident. Dental phobia can result in delayed visits to the dentist which in turn can have severe implications for your oral health.
Consequently, let us learn common dental fears and ways to conquer these in this blog outlined below.
Common Dental Fears and Ways To Conquer Them
Fear of Pain
The most common dental fear is the fear of pain either by hearing from others or past experiences. Gone are the days when dental treatments used to cause pain as a dentist in Berwick uses techniques and aesthetics that eliminate pain.
Try to communicate with your Berwick dentist regarding your fears so that they can adjust their approach and ensure your comfort during your dental visit.
Fear of dental equipment
The scariest part of the dental visits for many is those strange, metal tools inserted in the mouth. Consider holding those tools in your hand so that they do not seem alien to you.
Some people fret at the thought of a needle put in their mouth. Fortunately, you can easily conquer your fear of needles and other dental equipment by discussing the forms of anesthesia with your dentist.
Some dentists prefer using numbing gels or offer needle-free laser treatment to make the experience soothing for you.
Fear of loud noises
Another common dental fear people tend to have is the fear of loud noises. The dental tools used during the treatments can be loud which stirs up fear among people. Consider using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block the sound.
Feeling uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair
Bad back or control issues can make people uncomfortable lying back in the dentist’s chair. If this is so, simply ask the dentist to put you half back as it is more comfortable than the other way around.
Another way to make yourself comfortable in the dentist’s chair is to ask the dentist to provide you with positioning pillows so that you can sit in a laid-back position.
Fear of dentist
The next fear is the fear of the dentist. One sure-shot way to combat your fear of dentists is to find a dentist with a good sense of humor. The study conducted on this reveals that empathy and humor go a long way in reducing the fear of dentists among people.
Fear of embarrassment
Some people are self-conscious about the condition of their teeth or their dental hygiene habits and they tend to develop a fear of embarrassment. Remember that dentists are professionals who are there to help, not judge. They have seen it all and are bent on treating your issues rather than criticizing.
Unable to breathe via the nose
If you are someone who breathes from your mouth instead of your nose, then you might find it difficult to breathe via your nose during your dental consultation. As the dentists work in your mouth, you can find it hard to breathe from your mouth.
The best way to deal with this fear is to use nasal strips that help you breathe from your nose. Doing so will also make you feel comfortable at your dental visit.
Wrapping Up
Overcoming these dental fears is a must and requires a great deal of understanding from both the dentist as well as the patient. So, make sure to communicate with your dentist well before getting your dental treatment done and be comfortable. Book your consultation at Berwick Dental Clinic now and get the best experience.