Don’t skip appointments and put your oral health at risk; Discover strategies to overcome anxiety related to going to the dentist
For Hope Alcocer the diagnosis was serious: 11 cavities. Inflamed gums. A tooth that requires root canal treatment. Like the list of problems dental As he grew, so did his feelings of shame and fear. Too bad I waited more than a decade to seek treatment. And fear because he could no longer avoid the dentist.
His anxiety came from an experience in adolescencewhen her dentist ignored her concerns that she was not sufficiently anesthetized before treating a cavity. THE Pain She felt like jumping out of her chair. “My pain was an 11 on a scale of 10,” he says “It was a lot of pain.”
Dental anxiety It’s a common problem. Studies of adults in the United States generally find that approximately 20% of respondents have a moderate to high fear of dental care. The severity ranges from mild discomfort to severe phobia and may be rooted in previous negative experiences or trauma.
The more fearful a person is, the more they delay treatment and the more likely they are to develop painful problems that require expensive or complex treatments, experts say.
“It’s kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy,” summarizes Kelly Daly, a psychologist physician and research assistant at NYU School of Dentistry.
But it doesn’t have to be this way, adds the expert, admitting that she herself has struggled with dental anxiety after a failed procedure. Here are some strategies shared by her and other experts for overcoming fear and caring for loved ones. teeth.
Choose wisely
If you don’t already have a dentist who listens to you or makes you feel comfortable, look for another one, experts advise.
SD Shanti, a licensed dentist who coaches dental professionals on how to work with patients who suffer from dental phobia, suggested asking questions before your first visit to see how willing the professional is to comfort you.
For example, you might ask if the dentist can schedule you at slower hours, spread procedures over multiple appointments, or offer a longer appointment time. Additionally, you can ask to bring company for emotional support.
You may also want to visit the doctor’s office before a procedure and “desensitize” yourself to the environment.
Be honest about how you feel
Some patients feel embarrassed about telling how long it’s been since they’ve been to the dentist, experts say, or they may not feel comfortable saying how scared they really are.
But an empathetic dentist will respond to your concerns immediately if you bring them up, they note. So let us know if you feel scared or in pain.
Some dentists will know this right away. Tricia Quartey, a Brooklyn dentist and spokeswoman for the American Dental Association, said she can usually identify dental anxiety by looking at x-rays, even before meeting a patient, because the exams reveal a host of accumulated problems.
He recommends telling your dentist that you would like to use a signal such as raising your hand, for example, when you need a break or want to talk.
Harness the power of your mind
Some dentists offer nitrous oxide, a mild sedative that can help patients feel calm and comfortable during a procedure.
While this can be a helpful tool, Tricia says it’s best to talk to your dentist about when and how often to use it.
“I personally want my patients to be awake and experience everything so they can realize it’s not that bad,” he says.
Many patients also try to self-medicate, but if your dentist plans to also use medications, this can create problematic interactions, Shanti points out. Therefore it is best not to take any substances before the visit. If you got it, you should tell the professional.
Hope tried everything to keep her mind at ease during her appointments. Edible cannabis. A shot of vodka. Homeopathic herbs. Xanax. But simple psychological techniques ended up making an even bigger difference.
Hope found this out after Tricia suggested she participate in a study to test an app that teaches strategies for dealing with dental fear.
The app reminded Hope to breathe with her diaphragm and had her recite mantras like “I’m safe.” She was also asked to ask herself the worst-case scenario and then the best-case scenario. These are all common tactics for dealing with anxiety.
Experts point out that focusing on your breathing is one of the most effective things you can do. Shanti recommends trying one inhale through the nose and one long exhale or two short inhales through the nose and one long exhale to see what feels best. Practice the technique you choose throughout the day so you are familiar with it when the time for your appointment arrives.
The breathing and mental exercises were “a game changer,” says Hope. “I had a root canal and did it like a champ.”
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
