5 Steps You Can Take to Beat Your Fear of Going to the Dentist

Does the thought of going to the dentist make you start sweating? Do you put off or completely avoid your twice-a-year cleanings because you can’t stand the thought of lying back in the chair with your mouth wide open? Do you worry that it’s going to be painful? You are not alone! According to the American Dental Association, 75% of Americans suffer from at least some level of dental anxiety and 15% of those people would rather live with a painful tooth or even an infection instead of going to the dentist!

Logic tells us that there really isn’t anything to be afraid of. Unfortunately, anxiety isn’t always logical. However, there are ways to manage your fears and even get over them.

Here is a list of 5 things you can do to stop allowing your nerves from holding you back from getting proper dental care and treatments.

1. ASK AROUND.Start by asking your friends and family which dentist they see and what the experience is like. People are usually happy to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly! If someone gives you a rave review of a local dentist, look them up on Google and Facebook and read the reviews. Look for keywords that people have written such as “relaxed”, “pleasant”, “painless”, “calming”, and “comfortable”. Take a look at their website and their social media to get a feel for the type of practice it is and if your comfort is a priority in their office.
2. GO MORE OFTEN.This may sound counterintuitive because your fears are what is stopping you from going in the first place. However, this is one of those life instances where you’ll probably leave and say “that wasn’t so bad!”. Plus, the more often you go (at least 2 times a year for a check-up and cleaning), the less likely it is that you will have any major issues down the road. Preventative medicine is just that- it is meant to prevent you from problems.
3. START TALKING.Your dentist is very familiar with the fact that people are scared to visit them. Tell them your fears and worries. A doctor with a good chairside manner will help to alleviate your fears and can offer solutions. If your anxiety is especially severe, you can ask for a consultation when you call and explain that you would like to meet the dentist and speak to him or her before you actually schedule any appointments.
4. RESEARCH SOLUTIONS.There are many options available today for fear, stress and anxiety at the dentist’s office. A few include using headphones during your visit, using essential oils or a blanket to help you relax, being talked through the procedures, using an eye mask, and even sedation dentistry. Find out if the dental practice you are going to offers these options.
5. GO TO DR. FOTEK AT DENTAL HEALING ARTS IN JUPITER, FL!We would be remiss if we didn’t mention here that Dr. Ilona Fotek is especially wonderful at handling patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Her practice, Dental Healing Arts, welcomes you the moment you step in the calm and clean office. We go the extra mile to make our patients comfortable and relaxed and offer a variety of solutions to help you feel stress-free during your visit. Most of our patients leave glowing reviews and many even fall asleep during their treatments! We would love the opportunity to help you work through your fears of dental visits! Additionally, Dr. Fotek is a holistic dentist that treats you with a whole-body wellness approach- and that includes your mental state and overall comfort.

Even if you don’t visit Dr. Fotek or you don’t live in the Jupiter area, we hope that you will take some of this advice and try to work through your anxiety about the dentist and treatments. Your oral health is extremely important! You use your mouth and teeth every single day to function and it is imperative that you take great care of them.

To schedule a checkup and cleaning with Dr. Fotek at Dental Healing Arts in Jupiter, FL, call 561-626-6116.