Why Visiting the Dentist Doesn't Have to Be Scary

Dental anxiety is real, and it’s something that our team at Robert A. Neal Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping out patients through. Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. Ease your worries and take care of your dental health with these tips.

5 Tips for Overcoming Dental Fear

1. Ask Questions

One of the top reasons patients fear going to the dentist is because they feel that once they sit in the chair, they lose all sight of what is being done. We know that it can be scary to have someone working in your mouth and that you may feel like you have no control over the situation.

Just know that you can ask questions about the procedure you’ll be receiving or about your oral health in general.

2. Be Honest About Your Fear

Many patients grow a sense of fear for the dentist out of a negative experience in the past. It’s important to communicate this with your dentist and hygienists. Giving your doctor the most information about your medical history as possible is the best way to receive the proper treatment.

3. Try a Distraction

Even for adults, sitting in the dentist’s chair listening to a drill or feeling someone poking around in your mouth can be nerve-wracking. Instead of focusing on what’s making you anxious, try to ease your mind with a distraction.

We always recommend our patients bring their phone or audio player into the room with them so they can listen to music, a podcast, or even a movie. With your mind focused on other things, your appointment will fly by with ease!

4. Don’t Delay Appointments

While the thought of going to the dentist may be scary, you could further damage your dental health by putting off an appointment. By letting dental concerns go unresolved, you may wind up only visiting the dentist when an emergency happens. This means that you’ll spend more time at the dentist for a larger procedure and may even spend more money in the process.

Many patients fear that their dentist will think badly of them for their dental condition. It’s important to know that your dentist isn’t here to judge you — we’re here to keep you healthy. Though you may fear going to the dentist, it’s still important to make regular appointments for checkups and cleanings.

5. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

To avoid having issues with your teeth that have to be resolved at the dentist, be sure to keep up with a healthy dental routine at home! This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and fresh.