According to new research of the Patient Federation, people always avoid the dentist because of the high costs and because they are afraid of the dentist.
Overcome dental fear
So some people don’t go to the dentist for years. But we probably don’t need to explain to you that it is important to go for a check-up every now and then, because otherwise the consequences for your teeth can be major. But if you’re afraid of the dentist, making (and then going) another appointment can be a big step. How do you get over your fear?
1. Choose another dentist
Maybe you have a bad experience with your dentist that makes you prefer not to go back. Maybe he’s just really angry all the time because you don’t floss his or her eyes often enough. Whatever it is, it may help to look for another dentist.
Ask in your area who is known for being nice and taking the time for patients, advises Ad de Jongh, professor by special appointment of anxiety and behavioral disorders at the Academic Center for Dentistry in Psychology Magazine†
If you are extremely scared, you can also see an anesthetic dentist. Sounds ideal: a treatment while you get nothing from it because you get a sedation, but in the end you don’t tackle your fear with this. It is better to have a referral to a Center for Special Dentistry, if a regular dentist is really too scary for you. There you learn to deal with your fear step by step.
2. Choose a cozy practice
Many practices are clinically designed, but there are also oral care centers that are very cozy. Think: herringbone floor, a bunch of flowers here and there. You can put that at ease, dentist Karina Ronde-Teunissen recommends health†
3. Tell the Dentist You’re Afraid
That is often very relieved, says Ronde-Teunissen. You then notice that you have nothing to be ashamed of and that more people are afraid. If the dentist knows that you are afraid, he will often take a little longer with you, or explain a little more about what he is doing in your mouth.
4. Agree a sign with the dentist
Are you no longer able to continue the treatment for some reason? Then agree that you can raise your hand and the dentist or dental hygienist take a break. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for an anesthetic if you’re afraid of pain.
Source: RTL News, Psychology Magazine† health