How to Overcome the Fear of the Dentist

The irrational fear of dentists has persisted among many for a long time. Read on to learn how one gets over this phobia to achieve better dental health.

Dental health is a vital aspect of a person’s overall well-being. Lack of proper care can lead to consequences like bad breath, cavities, loss of teeth, gum disease, and much more[¹], which would require treatment from a dental surgery specialist in Singapore.

Yet, there’s still an abiding fear of the dentist among many. The fear of dentists is one of the most common ones that exist, and it is said to have originated from general anxiety over oral health or some bad memories one might associate with the dentist from childhood.[²]

For some, their fear of dentists is so irrational and extreme that it becomes a phobia. This phobia, known as Odontophobia, can lead to adverse effects on oral health as it prevents people from getting regular check-ups or treatments.[³]

The fear of a dentist is not an easy hurdle to overcome, but it’s more manageable with the tips listed below.
1. Talk about it with your dentist

With the fear of dentists being so prevalent, most dental clinics are equipped with staff who know how to ease oral care-related anxiety. Ensure that you call ahead and be transparent with your dentist — communication is critical when trying to overcome a phobia.[⁴]
 
You can make a booking and check to see if you can be given more time to calm yourself down. If necessary, check to see if the dentist can offer you more privacy. As a dentist, your dental health is key to them, and they will want to work with you and support you in any way they can to promote better dental healthcare in your life.
 
2. Book an appointment in the morning
 
If it’s within your schedule and means, try to book a dental appointment in the morning. Procrastinating a task will only give you anxiety because you’ll end up prolonging feelings of dread. Moreover, making appointments early in the day can help you to save plenty of time. For example, if you book an appointment before the high-traffic periods (usually around 10am-2pm), you’ll only be subjected to a minimum waiting time. This gives you the extra time you need to make it easier to gain control over your fear.

3. Ask about sedation options or take medication
 
For people with more severe cases of Odontophobia, there’s medication you can take to ease anxiety symptoms.3 It also reduces the effects of high blood pressure and puts your mind at ease whenever you visit the dentist.
 
If you think sedation is the choice you want to opt for, some dental clinics offer the option of nitrous oxide or oral sedatives to patients. If your dentist finds it suitable for your case you may also get the option of general anaesthesia.[⁵]
 
4. Pick a base dental clinic
 
Establishing a relationship with your dentist and building trust with them can do wonders for your fear. When you find a dental clinic that you’re comfortable with and a dentist you like, the familiarity of the situation makes it easier. Eventually, sticking to a dental clinic you’re comfortable with for the long term can be incredibly effective in curbing your phobias. At the end of the day, you’ll no longer dread a visit to your base dental clinic. 

Conclusion
 
As a provider of general and specialist dental services in Singapore, we treat your dental health with the utmost importance. At Advanced Dental, we have a team of experienced dentists that are committed to your care. Whether you need a routine exam or a more extensive dental procedure such as dental surgery in Singapore, we have the skills and expertise to help you achieve a bright smile and maintain optimal oral health. Contact us today, and we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

¹ https://doi.org/10.1159/000321060
² https://doi.org/10.1159/000357223
³ https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100678
⁴ https://doi.org/10.1111/adj.12118
⁵ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aat.2012.08.009

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