Anxiety about visiting a dentist is so deeply ingrained in the public consciousness that it often discourages people from taking care of their health.
Sometimes it develops into a more serious form – dentophobia, in which a person experiences a pathological and difficult to control fear of procedures.
This condition can be triggered by the sounds of a drill, the smells of a clinic, negative experiences from childhood, and even the thought that you need to open your mouth and show the condition of your teeth to other people.
Because of this, a person often postpones treatment, and when a visit to the dentist becomes inevitable, recovery is more difficult, longer and requires more money due to the advanced stage of the disease.
There are now methods that can alleviate or completely eliminate such fear.
Igor Blumkin , a dentist, implant surgeon, founder and director of Moscow's Dr. Blumkin Relationship Dentistry, spoke about five approaches that will help you take a new look at visits to the dentist and make them less stressful.
Method #1: Find the source of fear
The first step to overcoming anxiety is to understand its source. Often, it is not related to the procedure itself, but to fear of the unknown or the expectation of pain. Try to figure out what causes you more fear: the procedure itself or the uncertainty of what will happen?
If you are afraid of the unknown, discuss the upcoming steps with your dentist. Don’t be shy about asking questions about each step of the treatment and ask the doctor to explain exactly what he or she will be doing. Many patients find this “transparency” helps them calm down.
However, if you are afraid of pain or the procedure itself, a detailed discussion may only increase your fears. In this case, avoid unnecessary details and try not to search for information about procedures on the Internet before visiting the doctor, so as not to run into unreliable information that will aggravate your anxiety.
Method #2: Trust your doctor
The effectiveness of treatment and your level of comfort during procedures largely depend on the relationship with the doctor. During the preliminary consultation, psychological contact with the doctor should be established, which will allow you to feel confident and calm.
Don't be afraid to talk about your worries in as much detail and honestly as possible. If the doctor knows what exactly is causing you fear, he or she will be able to understand how to make you comfortable during the procedures.
For example, if you are afraid of certain sounds or sensations, your therapist may use techniques to help minimize these stimuli.
Method #3: Relax
Relaxation is one of the most effective ways to combat fear. For example, a simple but powerful technique called “Breathing with the belly” allows you to manage anxiety and reduce stress. You can also mentally count the number of inhalations and exhalations to concentrate on breathing and distract yourself from surrounding factors.
Meditation can also be an effective way to achieve inner peace. You can practice at home before your dentist appointment to learn how to quickly achieve a state of relaxation.
At Igor Blumkin's Relationship Dentistry, doctors suggest that patients listen to music during treatment. Calm, relaxing melodies distract from what is happening and reduce the feeling of fear. In addition, listening to music masks unwanted sounds: for example, the work of a drill.
Method #4: “Distraction maneuver”
Use distractions to shift your attention away from your anxiety. Pick an object in the dentist's office and try to mentally detail its characteristics.
For example, you might focus on a painting hanging on the wall: notice the colors, shapes, objects depicted, their placement and details.
Consider the materials the picture frame is made of, its texture and shades. Thinking about the properties and details of the object will shift your focus from the procedure to the external object, which will help reduce anxiety.
Method #5: Plan fun events after your dentist visit
Create positive associations with your doctor's visit: plan something enjoyable after the procedure. This is a great way to support yourself morally and reward yourself for your courage.
Over time, the pleasant moments after visiting the dentist may change your perception of these visits. But remember that your plans should not contradict your treatment, be sure to consult with your doctor and clarify all possible contraindications.
Fear of the dentist is common, but it shouldn’t be an obstacle to your health. Using the suggested methods, you can significantly reduce your anxiety level and change your attitude towards visiting the dentist.
Previously, we wrote about what foods should not be combined with cottage cheese.
Expert: Igor Blumkin
