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Dental Fears And Ways To Cope

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If you have a fear of the dentist, then the first thing you need to do is to determine whether you just have a severe fear or an actual phobia. If you are struggling with an actual dental phobia, then you may need to take some extreme steps to get past it, such as seeking the help of a therapist. However, if it's more of a strong, yet rational fear, then you may be able to work through it on your own. This information here will help you to deal with dental fears on your own, so you can sit in that dental chair without all the stress and anxiety you once suffered with. Here are some strategies you may want to follow:

Talk about your fears and concerns

One of the things that can really help when it comes to any fears is to talk about them. Discussing your fears with someone can help you to get a better understanding of why you may have them and lead you toward discovering on your own that they may be a bit on the irrational side. Once you admit this to yourself, it can be easier for you to face the dental chair for your next appointment.

You can talk to your friends and family about your fears, but make sure you aren't discussing them with someone else who also shares in your fears. Otherwise, they may only make matters worst for you. You can also discuss your fears with your dentist. They are used to dealing with worried patients and can be a great source of compassion while speaking to you in a logical, rational and experienced manner.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist will tell you the truth about what you can expect while keeping your fears in mind and answering your questions in a way that shouldn't make you feel worse. You may even want to record your conversation with the dentist, so you can replay them later when you feel like you need a bit of a moral boost again.

Keep yourself distracted

When the day comes for you to sit in that dental chair you want to take some extra steps to help yourself feel better during your exam or treatment. Luckily, there are a lot of different options you can choose from, so you can find plenty that work for you. You can paly a game on your tablet, such as bubble pop, Tetris or something else that will do a good job of keeping your mind occupied. You may even be able to watch a move or funny YouTube videos to keep yourself distracted. If you tend to be more into music, then try wearing headphones and rocking out to your favorite tunes. You may even find relief by bringing a stress ball or a fidget spinner with you.

Learn about relaxation techniques and implement them

There are different relaxation techniques that can be very helpful with fears, such as dental fears. You may want to learn about breathing techniques you can use, try some essential oils known for calming one down like lavender, try getting a massage before your appointment, or even go in for an acupressure treatment or see an acupuncturist ahead of time.

Consider sedation dentistry

If your dental fears are very extreme, then discuss the possibility of sedation dentistry with the dentist. This is where you will be sedated for the procedure, so you won't have to sit in the chair stressed out for the entire process. In some cases, this is the easiest way for a very fearful patient to go.


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