6+2 effective strategies for coping with fear of the dentist

If you are afraid of the dentist (or afraid of dental treatment), you are not alone. According to a 2018 press release from the Czech Statistical Office, 18.5% of Czechs admit that they do not visit the dentist because they are afraid. That's almost one in five Czechs. This article will offer you practical tips and strategies to get rid of your fear of the dentist and make visiting the dental office a more pleasant experience.

Did you know that...

...this fear can be "mere" anxiety, or even a morbid, extreme and panic fear of the dentist - dento-phobia? According to the International Classification of Diseases, dentophobia can be found under the diagnosis F40.2.

People with dentophobia avoid going to the dentist even if they are in pain. The condition is so severe that it can lead to very poor dental health. Such an insurmountable fear of the dentist can then affect a person's relationships or job prospects. If you feel that dentophobia affects you, seek help from a psychotherapist or clinical psychologist.

The most common causes of fear of the dentist

The first step to overcoming fear of the dentist is to understand where the fear comes from. If you realize where and when your fear started, you can better understand its nature and begin working to overcome it.

It is usually caused by a combination of several factors, including: 

• Traumatic experiences during dental treatment (most often from childhood) 
• Uncertainty about what will happen during the treatment
• Fear of pain, injections or that the anaesthetic won't work
• Feeling out of control / feeling at the mercy of the dentist
• Negative stories heard from other people.
• Embarrassment and loss of personal space.

How does fear most often manifest itself?

• Difficulty sleeping the night before a dental appointment
• Feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the waiting room of a dental office
• Crying or feeling physically sick at the mere thought of going to the dentist
• Intense uneasiness at the thought of objects being placed in your mouth during dental treatment or when you put them in your mouth, or a sudden feeling of having trouble breathing.

How not to be afraid of the dentist or techniques to alleviate fear

Isn't it enough to know that thanks to the many advances that have been made in dentistry over the years, most of today's dental procedures are significantly less painful or even painless? Here are 6 techniques that will help you with your fear instantly:

1. Breathing exercises and meditation

Try breathing exercises or meditation before your visit. They help reduce anxiety and prepare you for a calmer experience. Focus on deep, slow breathing and visualizing calm scenarios.

2. Listening to soothing music

Listen to soothing music while you wait (and some dentists will even allow it during the procedure). Choose songs that soothe you and help you feel comfortable.

3. Visualisation of positive scenarios

Positive visualization is a powerful technique that can change your perception of a situation. Imagine yourself in a calm, safe environment and focus on the positive aspects of going to the dentist, such as feeling clean and healthy after the procedure.

4. Communicate with your dentist and openly share your fears

Don't be afraid to openly share your fears with your dentist. Dentists are professionals who are used to patients with different fears and will know how to help you feel more comfortable. Communication is the key to successfully managing fear. If your dentist does not take your fear seriously, find another dentist.

5. Agree on a signal

Arrange a signal with your dentist to alert him or her that you need a break. Spit, breathe, or just relax. This will give you a sense of control over the situation.

6. Get as much information as possible about the planned procedure

Knowing what to expect can help ease uncertainty and reduce fear. Don't hesitate to ask about the details of the process and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Long-term strategies for coping with fear

You can work on your fear of the dentist even if you're not in the dental waiting room. How?

Visit the dentist regularly. This will gradually build your confidence and reduce your fear. If you collect positive experiences with your dentist, your fear will gradually decrease. Try to go for preventive check-ups regularly.

Go to therapy. If your fear of the dentist is extreme and panicky, consider therapy or consulting a psychologist. A professional therapist can help you develop coping strategies to manage your anxiety and gradually overcome your fear.

Are you afraid of braces?

Fear of braces is most often presented as a fear of

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• changes in the face or around the lips and other aesthetic effects,
• the financial burden of the treatment,
• duration of treatment.

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We would also like to reassure you here, because we know the amount of misinformation that is circulating on the Internet.

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• Changes in the face are not so dramatic - you certainly don't have to worry about your whole spine moving, as some misinformationists present it.
• Orthodontic treatment is costly, but can be solved with installment payments or insurance contributions (depending on your age and the severity of your orthodontic problems).
• The length of treatment is partly in your hands (as long as you follow the treatment plan).

However, consult your concerns with your doctor, who is best placed to reassure you - because he or she knows exactly what your condition is. You are neither the first nor the last, and he or she can certainly answer your questions and reduce your uncertainty.

Conclusion

Fear of the dentist is common, but with the right techniques and support it can be overcome. Understanding your fears, preparing for your visit and actively communicating with your dentist are key steps to feeling more comfortable.

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