Life

Ask the Dentist: How to get over our number one fear

Getting dental treatment is often cited as the thing people fear most
Getting dental treatment is often cited as the thing people fear most Getting dental treatment is often cited as the thing people fear most

VISITING the dentist is often tops the list of things that make people nervous, closely followed by a fear of heights. For about two thirds of people it is the idea of having a tooth drilled or having an injection that sets their heart rate racing. Therefore, here are some ideas to try and make dental treatment easier:

:: Verbalise your concerns

Often the turning point can be lifting the phone or sending an email to a member of the dental team. Finding a dentist who you feel comfortable with and building on the trusting relationship can support even the most phobic person through treatment. Dentists have consistently made the top 10 of the most trusted professionals in Gallup surveys since they began in 1981.

:: Breathe

Try relaxation techniques the night before and the morning of the dental appointment. By changing our breathing we can influence millions of biochemical reactions in our body, producing more relaxing substances such as endorphins and fewer anxiety-producing ones like adrenaline and higher blood acidity. Slowing and regulating your breath can calm even the most anxious person.

:: Gradual and repeated exposure to what you fear in a safe and controlled way

This can begin with going into the dental practice for a chat and coffee without sitting in the chair. With each contact, you’ll feel more confident and in control. The phobia begins to lose its power.

:: Positive reinforcement

The brain can only think of one thing at a time. Each time a negative or anxious thought comes into your head, push it out and replace it with a positive one like “It will be OK” or “The dental team will look after me.”

:: Additional therapies

Research suggests that people with a severe dental phobia may be able to overcome their anxieties with a single session of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Hypnotherapy, acupuncture and reflexology also help to produce feelings of calm.

With phobias, some people have a breakthrough and completely crack it, the trust grows and they lose the old nerves. Others improve to the point where they are less nervous and can get through their treatment adequately.

It can be a massive relief and a big confidence boost to get over a phobia. Some patients have used the positive result with dentistry to spur them on to take on other challenges like weight loss or stopping smoking.