From scary mazes and haunted houses to horror movies, there are plenty of reasons to feel scared this Halloween. However, your upcoming visit to your dentist’s office shouldn’t be one of them! Despite this, roughly 36% of Americans struggle with dental-related anxiety and another 12% experience extreme fear. If you’re in this boat, then keep reading for a few tips on how to overcome your fear this spooky season.
Why Conquering Dental Fear Is So Important
From a previous traumatic experience to the loud sounds and unfamiliar smells, there are lots of reasons you may feel nervous at the dentist’s office. Of course, it’s not the anxiety that’s the problem; it’s when the anxiety is so intense that you avoid your dentist altogether. This allows decay, infections, and other dental damage to progress unchecked, wreaking havoc on your oral health in the process. To prevent that from happening, it’s important to take proactive steps toward conquering your dental fear.
3 Tips for Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist
At first, conquering your fear of the dentist may seem like an overwhelming task. That’s why it’s helpful to break it down into manageable steps, like:
Pinpoint the root of the problem
Naturally, the first step is discovering what the source is. Did you have a bad experience with your childhood dentist? Do you hate needles? Are you worried about being judged? Whatever the case may be, take some time to really think about your answer. This will help you figure out the best solution.
Talk openly with your dentist
Patients often forget that their dentist is their greatest ally when it comes to their oral health. In other words, they want to know what they can do to help you get the preventive, restorative, or cosmetic treatment you need. Therefore, don’t hesitate to speak freely with them about why you feel anxious.
Ask about dental sedation
Dental sedation is designed to help patients who struggle with anxiety get the calm, comfortable, and effective dental care they need. So, if you are having trouble overcoming your dental fear, ask if you’re a candidate! Not only will it help you ease your current nerves, but it will also create a more positive association with visiting your dentist moving forward.
While dental-related anxiety is common, it’s also something you can overcome! So, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit, get in touch with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Erick Anderson takes pride in being a kind, talented dentist who genuinely enjoys spending time with his patients. As a result, he’ll never rush you in and out of the treatment chair. Instead, he will take the time to get to know you, your dental needs, and what he can do to make your experience as positive and stress-free as possible. If you struggle with dental-related anxiety or you simply would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (719) 593-0988.