Fear Of The Dentist – Conquer Your Fear

For many of us, a visit to the dentist can be a stressful and traumatic experience.

Granted, today’s dentistry is relatively painless, but nevertheless the fear of a needle (the anesthetic injection) and a drill whizzing at nearly the speed of sound in your mouth could un-nerve even a gladiator.

There are some pre-visit preparations that you can engage in, and also some calming herbal teas to bring you closer to a quiet state.

We all worry, as Mark Twain said, “about many things that never come to be”. Here we shall tell you how to prepare, and behave at the dentist. Age, sex, and strength have nothing to do with it. The mighty elephant fears the lowly mouse.

First of all, its best to book your dentist appointment in the morning. Your nerves will be the calmest after a night’s sleep, and the stress of the day will not yet be upon you.

During the breakfast the morning of the appointment, avoid coffee, and tea. Instead, make an infusion (soaked herbs in hot water for about 20 minutes) of fresh mint leaves.

This will have the effect to lower your blood pressure, and calm the nerves. It acts almost as a tranquilizer.

Eat also sparingly, something like dry toast and some fruit. Leave your stomach half empty. Set out for the dentist, but repeat to yourself that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you! Be resolute.

Arriving at the dentist, while waiting for your appointment, continue with your affirmation, close your eyes and try and relax your body by deep breathing; inhaling from the nose and exhaling from the mouth. Practice until you are called.

Arriving to the dentist, express your anxiety, and the steps you have taken to alleviate it. If allowed, ask the dentist if you can listen to an MP3 player (yours or the dentists), during the procedure.

Most dentists will permit this, as they know that the music will divert your attention away from the mouth and teeth, thus reducing pent-up fear. If the dentist is in agreement, fit the player’s earphones to your ears and lay back.

The dentist may need to speak a bit with you before this happens, but when the dentist begins, its best his or her attention is on your teeth and not your fears or problems.

At this point, turn your palms up on the dentist’s chair armrests. This is very important, as it will prevent also your muscles from tensing. You are forcing your body to relax, even if you mind would keep it tense. All though the procedure, remember to keep you palms facing upwards.

If you need anesthesia, keep your eyes closed. The syringe is by necessity very large, and the needle long. Your dentist will usually put a pre-anesthesia gel on your gums so the injection itself is not painful either. Its best to keep your eyes closed.

As the anesthesia starts working, concentrate on your music, and not the dentist. He or she knows what they are doing and you should be confident of them, or you should not be at that dentist.

Make sure your MP3 tracks will cover the whole of the session. Dentists don’t like to work more than two hours without a break, and for good reason. They become fatigued themselves, as well as their patient.

If you are still stressful into the procedure, ask to practice once again your breathing and relaxation technique.

Go back to the chair with resolve that you are in command of your nerves and not your nerves in command of you.

Believe it, and it will be true. This break will refresh you and the dentist as well, and know it will quickly be over.

Keep in mind a special treat for yourself at the end of the day; as a reward for conquering your fear and anxiety.

Have this in mind as the dentist is in the last phase of your appointment. You will feel relieved only at the thought only.