Many adults and children have a fear of going to a dentist that is very real. Unfortunately, all of your senses can play a role in your fear of the dentist. Here, you will learn how to trick your senses so that the visit to the dentist is less emotionally painful for you.
Sight
The initial arrival at the dentist office is sometimes all it takes to trigger that inner feeling of fright. If the visuals of the dentist office are your trigger, have a friend or family member drive you to the appointment. Wear a sleep mask so that your fears are not triggered by the sight of the office. Do not allow yourself to feel silly about wearing the mask and walking in on the arm of someone else. This fear is very real and this trick can work to take the dread out of your dental visit.
Smell
Every dentist office shares the same odd smell of disinfectantsh. The best way to block this fear is by rubbing a small amount of scented oil or vapor rub directly under your nose. This way, you only smell the scented oil or vapor rub instead of dental office smells.
Note: You can choose scented oils that are known to provide calming effects, such as lavender and chamomile. If you have skin sensitivities, mix the oils with a few drops of olive oil to dilute it so it does not cause a negative skin reaction.
Sounds
The sounds of whiny drills and crying children can make the dental visit tenser than it needs to be. Wear a good set of noise-canceling ear phones with your favorite relaxing music playing through them. Many people's fears are triggered by the sounds of the dentist office, so blocking the sounds out altogether will help make the experience more tolerable for you.
Note: A dentist that understands dental anxiety will find a way to communicate with you. He or she may use a small dry erase board, piece of paper, or simply turn off the equipment and signal you when communication is necessary.
Feel
Putting on that dental bib and sitting back in the chair can leave you feeling more exposed and vulnerable than you would like. If this is the case, take along a comfortable throw blanket to cover yourself with. It will give you a more conservative and comfortable feel while you are laid back in the dentist's chair having your procedures performed.
Taste
These days, your dentist has a long list of flavors of many of the products that are used during your procedure. If there is a certain flavor that you dread, talk with your dentist about avoiding it. If your distaste is triggered while the dentist is drilling the cavities out of your teeth, ask him or her about placing a thin coating of toothpaste or cleaning gel on your tongue. It will stop you from tasting the drilled teeth.
Working with a gentle dentist, like Ginger Scoggins DDS, that is patient and understanding of your fears will go a long way in taking the tension out of your dental visits. Talk with your dentist about any further suggestions that he or she may have to make your experience more comfortable.
