What steps can you take in overcoming fear of a dentist? This is a question I asked myself before walking in to my first ever dentist appointment. I had neglected to go my entire life, and finally the pain in my tooth was so bad that I couldn't even eat ice cream. My wisdom teeth had grown in completely crooked. It was a nasty sight, not to mention woefully painful. I needed to overcome my fear of a dentist before I ventured into the office, however. I was content to live with the pain before I let some alien-looking guy in a white coat shove his drill in my mouth.
The Five Best Steps to Overcoming Fear of a Dentist
Step 1: Find yourself a good recommendation. Part of the fear associated with a person's trip to the dentist has to do with your dentist being a complete stranger. There's no trust here. And there's also no way that some Johnny-come-lately is going to put things in your mouth. Overcoming fear of a dentist is difficult, but this is the first step in the right direction.
Step 2: Have a sit-down with the dentist. After you've found a highly recommended or family dentist, schedule an appointment to ask questions. Really, this is a chance for you to feel the dentist out and see if you trust him/her. Even still, don't neglect to ask questions associated with pain and recovery. Overcoming fear of a dentist depends on a step like this.
Step 3: Feel and own the fear! Tell him/her about how you're currently overcoming fear of a dentist, and hoping to completely own it before your visit. A good dentist will reassure you and help you along the way.
Step 4: Employ the buddy system. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in your overcoming fear of a dentist visit, you may want to bring someone in with you. Most likely, they won't be allowed in the office at the time of the procedure, but by having them there with you, it's another level of comfort that may very well help you fight the fear.
Step 5: Man up! This step is strictly for the guys out there - unless ladies can dig deep for the testosterone as well. Look, guys, all the little kids are going in and out of the dentist's office with their suckers and Styrofoam filled mouths; what's your problem? Overcoming fear of the dentist is something you should have done at 5-years-old, and the quicker you admit this to yourself, the better off you'll be.
No matter which method you choose, overcoming fear of the dentist is important. Taking care of bad teeth and gums right away is imperative - especially when you're an adult. Whether you need to sit down with the dentist or smack some sense into yourself, overcoming the fear needs to be done!
Get more tips to overcome your fear of dentists here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Johnson |
