How to get over your fear of the dentist

Opening up

I've always felt like I was a bit odd for being so afraid of the dentist, but Harley Street dentist Dr Richard Marques tells me that it's incredibly common.

"Statistics from the Oral Health Foundation in 2017 showed that almost half of adults in the UK have some form of dental phobia or anxiety," he reveals.

This begs the question: Why is it such a common fear?

"For many people, it's the anticipation of not knowing what might happen," says Marques. "They may have bad memories from previous visits or suspect that they will need a serious or costly procedure."

It's hard not to let these thoughts play on your mind, especially if you've booked an appointment quite far in advance. Many things can also trigger these painful memories, such as certain smells or sounds that resemble the equipment. These triggers can make you want to give up on the appointment altogether. This can then become a vicious cycle that's hard to break.

The important thing to remember is that you're not alone, and there's a lot that can be done to help combat these fears.

Patient picks for Dental care

Oral and dental care

The best snacks for healthy teeth

Our teeth are an important part of our looks as well as being essential for chomping our food. Yet, while most of us are dismayed at the thought of fillings or tooth extractions, we can be quite cavalier when it comes to looking after our pearly whites. A survey for National Smile Month revealed that a quarter of adults (particularly men) don't brush their teeth twice a day, while three quarters never floss. However, Brits lead the way across Europe in visiting their dentist.

by Dr Carrie Ruxton, PhD, Child Nutrition

Oral and dental care

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a collection of pus which can cause toothache and other symptoms. If you suspect that you have a dental abscess, see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Without treatment, the condition is likely to become worse and you may lose the affected tooth. Complications are uncommon but can be serious and even life-threatening. GPs are not trained or insured to treat dental problems - do not ring your GP if you have toothache.

by Dr Toni Hazell

Brace yourself

You may not want to hear it but avoiding the dentist altogether is really not an option. Not going for regular check-ups can lead to serious oral and dental problems, ultimately ending up as overall health issues.

Marques says: "Poor oral health has been linked to many serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even dementia. Gum disease, for example, is a bacterial infection that has access to the whole body through the bloodstream."

Reading this may seem counter-intuitive to someone with a phobia, but it's important to realise what the consequences are if you don't take care of your oral health. Brushing and flossing are good in their own right but being looked over regularly by a professional, even if there's nothing wrong, will do you no end of good in the long run. Think about it this way, would you rather deal with a routine check-up that makes you a little anxious, or a serious illness with lifetime implications? I know which one I'd prefer.

A reason to smile

It's not all doom and gloom, however. There's no greater feeling than embracing your fears and overcoming them, especially when the benefits can last a lifetime.

Your dentist is not there to cause you upset and discomfort (although it may seem like it at times) and simply communicating with them about your worries could really put your mind at ease.

Here are a few tips from Marques that may help to ease your dental fear:

Find the right dentist for you

"With dental fear being such a large issue there are many dentists who actually specialise in treating fearful patients," says Marques.

Simply explain your situation when you call to book an appointment and you will be placed with someone equipped to deal with your situation.

"Dentists are there to help, trust me," he adds.

Timing is key

Schedule permitting, try booking your appointment first thing in the morning so that you don't have to spend all day worrying about it. If you do end up with a later appointment, however, then practising relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, or keeping yourself distracted throughout the day, can help.

Communicate

Yes, you will have someone else's hands in your mouth but it doesn't mean you can't communicate.

Explain your concerns at the outset, and let them know you'll raise your hand if you want them to stop. Throughout your appointment, tell your dentist how you are feeling, and let them know if something hurts or if you're worried about what they are doing/using. You'll most likely find that any dentist is happy to talk you through their process if it makes you more comfortable.

Make comfort a priority

Even something as simple as wearing loose clothing or making sure you can breathe easily out of your nose can make appointments easier. If you'd rather be in an upright chair than a recliner, then it's perfectly okay to communicate this.

Going under

For a more long-term plan, it may be worth looking into a variety of different treatments and therapies if you feel that your phobia is preventing you from living your life.

"Hypnotherapy may help some people with extreme cases of dental phobia overcome their anxieties," suggests Marques.

But before you consider private treatments, it's worth talking to your GP who may be able to refer you to mental health services such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for tackling phobias.

TLC

At the end of the day, good oral hygiene starts at home. Look after your teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day. You'll find yourself needing to go to the dentist less frequently and it will make check-ups a lot easier for both you, and your dentist.