How To Reduce Your Fear of Dentists

It's quite normal to be afraid of dentists. Gee, even my own dentist told me that she hates going to the dentist herself, so if she does dentistry for a living and is afraid...?

Then there's the different medieval looking instruments they put in your mouth. And that nasty whirring drill.

So, how can you get over your fear of dentists?

1. Use a sympathetic dentist

With that description, I don't mean that you should decide on a dentist because they do good work (fortunately most all of them do). I mean that you should pick who is aware of your worries and has a track record of dealing with patients the same as you already. Be prepared to ask friends and work colleagues. Just the same as some doctors have a good bedside manner, it figures that some dentists cope with fearful patients better than others do.

2. Interview your potential dentist

Don't sign up with a dentists surgery until you've actually chatted with your potential dentist. Tell them that you're afraid of dentists and ask them how they can assist you and calm your nerves when you visit for an inspection or to have fillings, crowns, etc.

3. Take a friend or family member

Check with your potential dentists if you can bring a friend when you have a dentists appointment. Someone who can physically hold your hand while you're in the dentists chair. If they won't allow this then, unless you have no other choice, move on to the next dentist on your list.

4. Try to relax

Yeah. While you're laying back in that chair and you grip the chair's arms so tight you can feel the frame inside, this isn't the easiest thing to do. Especially the first few times you try it. But taking up a relaxation method - this could be meditation, listening to relaxing music, breathing exercises, whatever. Next, when you are glued to the dentists chair, think about relaxing and take a really deep breath. Rather than the quick breaths you normally take in this situation.

5. Use hypnosis

Yup. Hypnosis really does work. You can download a simple hypnosis track to help overcome your fear of dentists and listen to it wherever and whenever you like. Gradually, in the coming days and weeks of listening to a fear of dentists hypnosis track, you'll find them becoming less scary.