For a lot of us dentophobics, a visit to the dentist is a day we dread for weeks, even months beforehand. Whether it’s a routine check-up or an appointment for dental treatment, pre-dentist anxiety can be a real pain in the tooth for those who fear the dreaded chair.
Alas! It doesn’t have to be this way. There’s nothing to fear if you prepare yourself and your mouth in advance to make sure no mishaps or unnecessary worries stand in your way. You’ll be perfectly fine, especially if you follow these six steps.
1. Choose a trustworthy dentist
The most important thing you can do to help you feel less anxious is to choose the right local dentist. The best dentists are those with years of experience and great communication skills to help put your mind at ease. Once you’ve found a reliable dentist, establish a long-term relationship with them to build trust between you both.
2. Confirm your appointment
If you’re yet to receive any confirmation of your appointment, it won’t hurt to ring and check everything is still going ahead as scheduled. Turning up hours early or late won’t help matters if you’re already feeling anxious. Try and get to your appointment 15 minutes before so you have plenty of time to fill out any necessary paperwork or provide any medical information they need.
3. Prepare your mouth
It’s also a good idea to prepare your mouth for any treatments you’re having. Maintain good oral hygiene in the days leading up to your appointment but don’t fret too much as any dentist is more than accustomed to a whiff of bad breath. You should also remove any lipstick or lipgloss too. If you have any queries, contact your dentist to see if there’s anything in particular that you need to do.
4. Be honest with your dentist
Honesty is always the best policy. Any dentist knows how fearful some people can be when they arrive at their appointment, so be upfront with them about how you’re feeling. If they know you’re anxious, they’ll be sure to calm your nerves and help you relax by taking you through the procedure step by step.
5. Raise any concerns
If there’s specific concerns you have about your oral health, make a note of them to speak to the dentist about. Whether it’s a minor concern like a slight discoloration or something more serious like a sharp toothache that won’t go away, never be reluctant to raise any concerns you might have.
6. Look after yourself beforehand
Ensure you feel fit and healthy for your appointment by getting a good night’s rest. Try to ease your late-night worries and remember that you’re in safe hands. Have a hearty breakfast in the morning and make sure your blood sugar levels are as they should be to prevent any overwhelming stresses from taking over. You can also do some exercise beforehand to work off any unwanted anxieties.
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