Dealing With Fear of the Dentist
Many people suffer from an aversion to dentists and dentistry.
As much as eighty percent of the U.
S.
adult population admits to experiencing some degree of anxiety about going to the dentist, and as many as half of these people claim that it prevents them from having regular check-ups and cleanings.
Dental anxiety can ultimately prove detrimental to dental health, as some people who need treatment or cleaning may be too afraid to schedule an appointment for even a check-up or simple procedure.
Here are some tips which will help you feel more comfortable with the prospect of your next dentist visit or encourage you to make the appointment you've been putting off for years.
In many cases, it is a fear of the unknown which drives people to avoid visiting the dentist.
They may feel uncomfortable if they do not know what their dentists are doing poking around in their mouths, or they may panic at the sight of the strange looking instruments lying on the tables next to their heads.
The solution to this problem is simple: ask your dentist any question you would like.
It is expected of them to explain the procedures they employ, and in many cases simply finding out what a particular procedure or tool is for is enough to calm the worries of a patient.
Your dentist will be happy to explain what it is she is doing in your mouth, so never hesitate to ask.
The worst part of any dental visit for most people is the sound.
The buzzing, whirring, and high-pitch squealing of dental instruments can arouse feelings of dread in those who already don't like having their mouths probed.
A portable media player can help these people immensely.
MP3 or CD players can drown out the noise of the procedure and take your mind off the worry.
The dental industry on the whole has recognized dental phobias as a major concern, and so steps have been taken to ensure the comfort of every patient.
Televisions are a common sight in most dental offices, and video game consoles and DVD players are not uncommon.
Your dentist should be more than happy to accommodate you in this respect.
If the bright light shining on your face is a source of worry or concern, you should consider bringing a pair of sunglasses along to your next visit.
Some procedures call for the use of safety glasses, but these are often entirely transparent and do nothing to block out the light.
Sunglasses will simultaneously protect your eyes and give you some escape from the intensity of the bulb overhead.
If you are able to physically relax and put your body at ease, then your mind will follow and you will feel much less anxiety about your dental visit.
As much as eighty percent of the U.
S.
adult population admits to experiencing some degree of anxiety about going to the dentist, and as many as half of these people claim that it prevents them from having regular check-ups and cleanings.
Dental anxiety can ultimately prove detrimental to dental health, as some people who need treatment or cleaning may be too afraid to schedule an appointment for even a check-up or simple procedure.
Here are some tips which will help you feel more comfortable with the prospect of your next dentist visit or encourage you to make the appointment you've been putting off for years.
In many cases, it is a fear of the unknown which drives people to avoid visiting the dentist.
They may feel uncomfortable if they do not know what their dentists are doing poking around in their mouths, or they may panic at the sight of the strange looking instruments lying on the tables next to their heads.
The solution to this problem is simple: ask your dentist any question you would like.
It is expected of them to explain the procedures they employ, and in many cases simply finding out what a particular procedure or tool is for is enough to calm the worries of a patient.
Your dentist will be happy to explain what it is she is doing in your mouth, so never hesitate to ask.
The worst part of any dental visit for most people is the sound.
The buzzing, whirring, and high-pitch squealing of dental instruments can arouse feelings of dread in those who already don't like having their mouths probed.
A portable media player can help these people immensely.
MP3 or CD players can drown out the noise of the procedure and take your mind off the worry.
The dental industry on the whole has recognized dental phobias as a major concern, and so steps have been taken to ensure the comfort of every patient.
Televisions are a common sight in most dental offices, and video game consoles and DVD players are not uncommon.
Your dentist should be more than happy to accommodate you in this respect.
If the bright light shining on your face is a source of worry or concern, you should consider bringing a pair of sunglasses along to your next visit.
Some procedures call for the use of safety glasses, but these are often entirely transparent and do nothing to block out the light.
Sunglasses will simultaneously protect your eyes and give you some escape from the intensity of the bulb overhead.
If you are able to physically relax and put your body at ease, then your mind will follow and you will feel much less anxiety about your dental visit.
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