Do you fear visiting the dentist? Coping with dental anxiety about visiting the dentist is a very common problem, in fact for some the problem is a full blown dental phobia. It is for this reason that most people in the UK do not visit the dentist due to fear.
But not going to the dentist can cause issues to go undetected. These can affect even overall health. Gum issues, for example, have been associated with diabetes and other health issues.
But alone realising that oral health problems can affect overall health may not make you feel any better or overcome your dental anxiety. So here are seven things that might help make your visit easy to a dentist orย dental hygienist in South Kensington.
1. Donโt be embarrassed, you are not alone
If you have not visited a dentist in some time (whether for months or a few years), do not fear of being greeted with disapproval and left with the impression that you are being judged. This is unlikely to happen, as once we are made aware that you are experiencing a first visit in years our staff will attempt to make the experience a positive and relaxing one for you.
It is our duty to take care of your oral health and guide you back on the right track to correct dental care. There are several individuals who do not visit a dentist and hygienist for years, maybe because of fear, a hectic lifestyle or possibly relocation and never having time to find a new dentist.
2. Donโt hide your fear of the dentist
If you are anxious or have dental phobia, then booking in for an appointment and actually attending it is a real victory. You donโt have to suppress your anxiety and pretend that everything is okay. Alert the practice to the fact that you are anxious and discuss any particular issues.
Is pain a worry? If so, there are numbing agents that can be applied, such as local anaesthetic. Maybe you have previously had unpleasant dental experiences. The more we have to work with, the better equipped we are to ensure that you have a pleasant experience. You can also try on some signal to notify the dentist or hygienist that you are becoming uncomfortable, for example raising your hand during treatment or examination could be an indication that you require a break.
3. Consider what may help alleviating your dental anxiety
What small adjustments can the dental surgery make to help you feel relaxed? The playing of soothing music might help, or perhaps something more insightful. Perhaps relaxing fragrances can help. Minor adjustments can make dental visits much less of an ordeal for nervous patients, your dentist should be willing to accommodate and also have suggestions for what can help you relax.
4. Donโt forget, the initial visit to the dentist is going to be a check-up
Any anxious patient who may not have set foot in a dentistโs clinic in years may turn a visit into a horror situation which will lead them to need extensive treatment then and there. This will not be the case. Rather, the first check-up will be simply be an opportunity to check the health of your teeth and gums and talk through the best course of treatment before proceeding with them. Alternatively, you can view this first appointment as an opportunity to meet your dentist or hygienist, they should reassure you and have future appointments feel much more manageable.
5. Select a time that minimises dental anxiety
An appointment at the beginning of a day may lower anxiety โ for instance, if you visit the dentist at 8am and it is done by 8.30am, then there is no more anxiety to bother you for the rest of the day. It is often preferred to an appointment later in the day, where concern has had time to develop and the anxiety can intrude upon the rest of the dayโs work or get you to cancel the appointment you have made.
In some other cases, you might prefer an appointment at the end of your working day so that you do not have to face the rush to get back to work or other responsibilities. Get the appointment time to suit your schedule. It could also be helpful to book an appointment as early as possible. If you have picked a good dental practice and they have an appointment within the next couple of days, why not take the earliest and have it over with, instead of having a date weeks ahead which will probably only heighten your stress.
6. Get into a normal dental routine at an early age
For kids it is best to begin visiting the dentist with their family when they are about a year old and have regular check-ups so that visiting the dentist is never a big issue; it is just something that is a part of their lives. Even as an adult this advice remains valid, the most difficult appointment for anyone who has not visited the dentist for a while is the initial one. Once you have had that, get into a routine, have regular check-ups and then you will always be aware that your oral health is in good hands and appointments will become a routine for you rather than becoming a reason to panic.
7. Select a hygienist and dentist for nervous patients
You donโt necessarily have to pick the one nearest to you; actually you should not choose any dentist just because they are closest to your location. Check out reviews, ask your friends and coworkers; even be honest when requesting this information โ tell them you are an anxious patient and ask what they have to say about their dentist.
You can also do some research before settling on a dentist, or look elsewhere if your dentist at the moment does nothing to alleviate anxiety. Most websites have details of their approach and an opportunity to learn about specific team members. Any practice must be able to let you take a look around before making an appointment โ the intention is to make the practice not so mysterious, it is not a frightening place full of cold, distant individuals in white coats. It is a contemporary, calm setting with enthusiastic, capable and friendly experts.
Supporting Patients with Dental Anxiety
At South Kensington MD, our goal is to make every patientโs experience a positive one. So get over your anxiety and visit ourย experienced dentist in South Kensingtonย today for a dental check-up.
