Dentists see themselves as friendly and welcoming, so it is surprising to know that around 50% of the UK population has a dental phobia according to a survey conducted by the Oral Health Foundation.
For around 12% of these people, their fear is so great that it prevents them attending the dentist at all. This is a real problem when it comes to maintaining good oral health.
In this month’s blog the team at Teeth & Smiles have put together 5 top tips to help banish dental anxiety for good.
Pick an early appointment
This will ensure that you have less time to sit and dwell on your concerns and will help to limit your anxiety. The first appointment will be a check-up, which is a chance to get to know the dentist and will not involve any drilling or needles
- Share your fears
Dentists are used to treating anxious patients. If you are tense or anxious be sure to tell the dentist and this will enable them to adapt the treatment to your needs
Focus on Breathing
When people are nervous, they tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic. As in some meditation techniques, a focus on slow, regular breathing helps reduce stress levels.
- Start Gradually
It may help to start gradually with a clean and polish before working up to more extensive treatment once you’ve built up trust and rapport with your dentist.
Get some good recommendations
If you are looking for a new dentist, ask friends and family for recommendations. A glowing review about a dentist from someone you trust can help to reduce your anxiety
We know that for many people visiting the dentist is not high on their list of fun activities, but by attending regular for routine dental appointments, we are able to identify problems early and treat them quickly, reducing the need for extensive dental treatment. If you would like to speak to our friendly team and start the journey to better oral health, call Teeth & Smiles on 020 7352 7049 today.