HELPING YOUR CHILD TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF DENTIST
Do the scary dental tools, and that long syringe sends shivers down your spine? Does a dentist clinic give you anxiety? Then you are not alone in this particular aspect. The majority of people all over the world fear a dental appointment.
Teeth are one of the essential bones in the body. A healthy set of teeth helps in the holistic well-being of a person. Teeth are also a sensitive body part that needs full maintenance and care. Regular dental visits are advised to maintain a million-dollar smile that shines on our faces.
While the importance of teeth and their health is very conspicuous, many people have a fear of dentists. This fear has many reasoning as follows:-
- The dental tools are very sharp and intimidating to many individuals.
- Past traumatic experiences related to teeth extraction can develop the fear of that dentist’s chair in the minds of many individuals.
- The numbing syringe is very painful.
- Toothaches are a terrible affair, and no one feels complacent in going through it.
- Braces are also very painful for many people and cause massive discomfort in the gums.
- Sometimes the fear can also be caused by peer and societal influence. By listening to others traumatic experiences, one might develop resilience towards a dentist in their mind.
TIPS TO OVERCOME THE DENTIST ANXIETY
While the stress can be nerve-wracking, the importance of regular teeth check-ups cannot be ignored. Here are a few tips for overcoming the dentist fear:-
1) TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
If it helps, talk to your dental team, including the nurse and the receptionist. Try to take counseling from the doctor and clear your doubts regarding the various tools involved. Relate your fear to the doctor and ask them for their advice. Usually, a dentist will be able to make you feel at ease, and with constant guidance, you will be able to feel more comfortable. Therefore, efficiently communicate with your doctor and tell him your concerns. Make sure that you have established good communication with your dentist. A dentist can also crack jokes or engage you in an exciting conversation to cause distractions, making the process easier.
2) EDUCATE YOURSELF
Having misconceptions about the various dental procedures can be one of the chief reasons causing fears in your mind. Make sure that you do the necessary research and educate yourself. Gone are the days when tooth extractions were a painful process causing nightmares in the minds of the individuals. Today, almost all dental procedures are pain-free.
3) USE HAND SIGNALS
If, during the process of examination or extraction, you feel uncomfortable, establish hand signals to communicate with your dentist. Tell them to stop and take a break if necessary. A Lot of fidgeting can also make the process difficult for your dentist and you as well. Indicate all the problems like your numbing agent not working, the tools causing pain, or the chair inclination making you uncomfortable.
4) CREATE DISTRACTIONS
Distractions like music, TV, books, etc. can be conducive. Try to refocus your attention on something else. Make sure that you get the necessary aid when needed, and ask your dentist to distract you. A conversation with the staff can also make you feel more comfortable. Ask for headphones or tell the doctor to turn on the television. Just make sure that you do not make the work process hard for the dentist.
5) ASK FOR MEDICATIONS
Consult with your dentist and ask for the meditations that can relieve your stress and make you feel less anxiety-ridden. Also, ask them about the tips to relax and invest in their advice. Some natural remedies can also help in the process.
6) TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Self-motivation and pep talks can also help in making the situation more relaxing. Take deep breaths and prevent yourself from getting negative thoughts and feelings. IF your outlook is positive, you will not feel any difficulty in overcoming the stress and anxiety related to it. Educate yourself and think rationally. Prevent yourself from getting affected by peer pressure and negative influences from your friends, family, or anyone for that matter.
Dental visits are an essential part of life. It is better to face the situation with an optimistic mindset and feeling complacent in your capabilities. A regular dental check-up will help in keeping your teeth in good shape that will subsequently relay positive effects on your health.
