How awful! A dentist appointment is keeping you up? Are you breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking about it? Do you have knots in your stomach as you approach the door to your dentist’s office? You may then suffer from dentophobia.
What is dentophobia?
Dentophobia is the fear that some people feel at the thought of a visit to the dentist or the anxiety they feel when approaching a simple routine appointment.
Do you have a tooth that hurts a lot, but are still hesitant to go to the dentist? Do you need to take your courage in both hands to walk through the door of your dental clinic? Know that you are not alone!
Signs of dental phobia
Here are some signs that could help you detect your dentophobia:
You are particularly nervous as an appointment with your dentist approaches;
You neglect your routine visits;
Your heart rate increases or you experience physical discomfort at the mere thought of having a dental procedure, even when it is a simple cleaning;
You feel like you are literally losing control when it comes to dentistry.
What causes dental phobia?
It may happen that a bad past experience is the cause of your dental phobia. Most often, this negative memory dates back to childhood. Perhaps a loved one or family member has told you about their own dentophobia. Maybe it’s your fear of needles that makes you anxious when visiting the dentist. These fears are completely normal. Please note, however, that dentists are very sensitive to your concerns and will do everything they can to reassure you.
If you happen to postpone your dental appointments because of your anxiety, know that these delays could cause you many other inconveniences and lead to a much more extensive intervention and, consequently, further accentuate your stress.
In the long term, a lack of dental care can lead to serious chronic problems: bad breath, gingivitis, speech problems, etc. This is why it is important not to neglect your dental follow-ups.
Solutions to overcome your fear
Although you may have some concerns about going to your dentist, know that he or she is the person best placed to help you with your phobia. He will certainly show empathy and be even more attentive to your stress.
Once notified, your dentist can also, if necessary, prescribe medication that will help reduce your stress. He may use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or a mild anxiolytic. These, combined with local anesthesia , will help make your visit to Chez Le Dentiste a less stressful experience.
Other means are also available to you: you could opt to participate in a support group. Acupuncture or even hypnosis also prove effective in certain patients struggling with dental phobia. The team at Chez Le Dentiste is used to treating patients who are anxious about a dental visit and knows how to adapt in order to make your experience as pleasant and as stress-free as possible. Dentists, hygienists and dental assistants listen to you and show the greatest empathy towards you.
Dental phobia in children
Children may be even more likely than adults to feel anxiety as they approach the Dentist. However, several tactics can help them overcome their fear.
As a parent, you can, a few days before the appointment, prepare your child by talking to them about their upcoming visit. He will then know what to expect and will not have any unpleasant surprises.
. He will thus be able to observe and become familiar with the dentist’s actions.
Are you now ready for your next appointment? Go for it! Take your courage in both hands and contact us if you are struggling with dentophobia. The Chez Le Dentiste team will take the time to listen to you and will find the right words and solutions to reassure you.
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