Dentist
anxiety is real. Whether you’re looking for solutions for a friend
or for yourself, there are effective ways to overcome the dental fear
that likely began in childhood and has continued to make life
difficult over the ensuing years.
If
you have this fear, you likely know that it’s irrational, yet you
feel helpless to do anything about it. Avoiding dental checkups seems
like a simple way to get through life without having to confront it,
but over time, issues can develop that compromise the health of your
teeth and gums.
Acting
Now Can Prevent Future Problems
If
left unattended, dental problems can get worse and lead to severe
oral pain, as well as consequences like losing a tooth. To prevent
these costly and painful outcomes, schedule an appointment at
kewroaddental.co.uk
now.
A
dental professional can spot any trouble areas early and protect your
teeth from conditions that might otherwise harm them. For the sake of
your mouth, you need to overcome your dental phobia.
Your
Kids as Motivation
Just
as you can be a positive influence on your kids, they can help you
change for the better. As they learn how to brush their teeth at a
young age, they’re likely to be curious about the dentist.
A
natural question would be: “Mom, who’s your dentist?” If you
don’t have one, your child is likely to wonder why, especially when
it comes time for you to take them for their first professional
cleaning.
As
a parent, being
a role
model involves
following your own advice. When your kids go to their first dental
checkup, book one for yourself at the same time to show them how
important it is to practice good oral habits.
Be
Honest with the Dentist
When
you book your dental checkup, be open with the person you speak to
about your discomfort at being in the chair. Emphasize this point
again when the appointment comes.
Tell this professional
that you want to feel more at ease and would like to know your
options. The dentist likely will already have options ready for your
consideration.
Request
a Break
If
you are in the chair and the experience feels overwhelming for any
reason, request a break. A great way to signal for attention is by
raising
your hand; that action will usually prompt the dentist to stop
and inquire if everything is okay.
There’s
nothing wrong with requesting a break for a few minutes or longer if
needed. Feeling comfortable is important, and if the dentist
dismisses this notion, they’re not the right fit for you. Most
dentists will accommodate you, as it’s natural to want to help
rather than hurt someone.
Conclusions
on Getting Past the Fear
It’s
likely that when you visit the dentist, it won’t be as bad as you
had envisioned. Oftentimes, worries get built up in the mind, and
situations begin to seem worse than they’ll ever be in reality.
Overcoming your dental fear today is the path to healthy teeth and
gums, an amazing smile, and being a terrific role model to your kids.
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