Arachnophobia, aviophobia, acrophobia, claustrophobia, and elevatophobia are common phobias that can cause an individual to feel overwhelming fear about a place, object, living creature or situation. Some phobias are lesser known than others, one of them being dentophobia.
Dentophobia, also called odontophobia, is the fear of visiting a dentist and affects over ten million of the UK’s population. Unlike other phobias that are irrational and don’t need confronting, scheduling regular dental check-ups is vital for maintaining good oral health.
No matter how severe your phobia might be, avoiding your annual dental check-ups is never a good idea since doing so can lead to various complications. Below we list some of our top tips for managing dentophobia and feeling more at ease at the dentist’s office.
Search For A Practice That Caters To Nervous Patients
Searching for or transferring to a practice that caters to nervous patients is one of the most effective ways to alleviate dental anxiety. Since dentophobia is such a common phobia, various practices take measures to alleviate anxiety.
Reach out to dentists in Christchurch or surrounding areas and confide in them about your fears.
Following this, their reception team will be able to inform you about the steps the practice takes to put nervous patients at ease, what to expect, and help you book your first visit.
Approaching local, friendly practices like Cheriton Dental Practice will help to quell your worries as you’ll be in professional, knowledgeable hands who’ve dealt with many patients in your situation. Consider visiting their website to browse their complete list of services, meet the team and see how they could help you get back in a dentist’s chair today.
Bring Someone Along To The Appointment
Another way to make yourself less fearful at the dentist’s office is by bringing a companion with you to any visits. Bringing a close friend or family member along with you is an excellent way to calm yourself before your treatment.
Even if you cannot talk to them while in the dentist’s chair, holding their hand or even their presence will help you feel calm, relaxed, and safe. Although, be sure to ask for your dentist’s consent before bringing a companion with you to your appointment, as it may not be possible.
Plan A Reward For Afterwards
Although you might hate every moment when you step through the dentist’s office door, there are activities you can do after the appointment to make the experience less scary. Treating yourself after going through a stressful experience can help you make more positive connotations about the activity and hopefully make you more optimistic about the next time you go.
You could reward yourself by watching your favourite TV show, buying something off your Amazon wish list, ordering a takeaway, reading your favourite book, organising a fun day out with friends, planning a self-care day and much more.
Talk To A Professional
If you find that your phobia persists even after using some of the above tips, we recommend reaching out to a health professional. Only a health professional can give you accurate advice, provide you with the coping mechanisms needed to get over your fear and uncover the root cause of your phobia.
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