Dentist Explains How To Deal With Fear If You're Scared Of Going For 'Vital' Checks

Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, making vital check-ups a daunting task. However, Dr Ferakh Hamid from Aesthetique Dental Care offers his expert strategies to help overcome this fear and ensure you maintain your oral health.

Deep Breathing Techniques:

Practicing deep breathing can significantly reduce stress during a dental visit. When you sit in the dentist's chair, focus on your breathing for a few minutes. Gently inhale and exhale through your nose while keeping your chest and shoulders still. This technique helps engage your diaphragm, allowing your lungs to use their full capacity, calming your nervous system and helping you feel more relaxed.

Familiarisation with the Dental Environment:

To alleviate dental anxiety, it can be very beneficial to schedule a visit to meet your dentist and familiarise yourself with the clinic before your appointment. This preliminary visit lets you get comfortable with the surroundings, meet the dental team, and discuss what to expect during your check-up or treatment. Knowing what will happen and feeling at ease with the environment can significantly reduce uncertainty and anxiety.

Using Distractions:

Many people find the sounds of dental equipment, like buzzing and drilling, to be particularly anxiety-inducing. Bring headphones to your appointment and listen to calming music or your favourite podcast to combat this. Alternatively, watching a show on your smartphone can be a helpful distraction. These strategies can help you relax by keeping your mind occupied and away from the procedures.

Agreeing on a Stop Signal:

Establishing a stop signal with your dentist is a powerful way to manage dental anxiety. Whether seeing a hygienist or having a filling, agreeing to raise your hand as a signal to pause gives you a sense of control over the situation. This can ease feelings of helplessness and stress, making the experience much more manageable. Discuss this with your dentist before the procedure begins to ensure you feel comfortable and in control.

Positive Reinforcement:

Changing your perspective on dental visits can be achieved by planning something enjoyable afterwards. Whether meeting a friend for lunch, going on a solo shopping trip, or simply treating yourself to a relaxing coffee, having something to look forward to can transform a negative experience into a more positive one. This reward system can help rewrite the narrative in your mind, associating dental visits with positive outcomes rather than anxiety.