Hi lovelies,

Nobody likes going to the dentist, but for some people, it’s a huge problem because they are absolutely terrified of setting foot through the door of the practice. But it’s important that you do visit the dentist on a regular basis if you want to look after your oral health. If you neglect oral hygiene, you may do lasting damage to your teeth and gums that you cannot undo in later life, so you need to find some way to overcome your phobia. These are the best ways to get over your fear of visiting the dentist. 

Look After Your Dental Hygiene 

If you hate the dentist, you need to minimize your visits as much as possible, which is why it’s vital that you look after your dental hygiene. You still need to go for checkups, but if you look after your teeth and gums, you can avoid any serious problems so you won’t need any dental treatments. But if you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, you are far more likely to need to go in for a procedure, which is a lot scarier than a simple checkup. 

Explore Less Invasive Treatment Options 

If you do need to have a procedure, you should speak to your dentist about less invasive treatment options. For example, if you are nervous about having braces because you worry about how they look, ask about clear braces instead. Dental technology is always advancing and there are a lot of new ways to deal with dental issues without the need for surgery. So, always explore your options with the dentist and find treatments that are not quite as daunting. 

Practice Breathing Exercises 

Often, people find that waiting is the most difficult part. When you are sitting in the dentist’s office, waiting to be called through for your appointment, your anxieties will run wild. However, you can use simple breathing exercises to calm yourself and let those anxieties pass. Slowing your breathing down and focusing on a long exhale will calm your nerves and take your focus away from your anxieties, so you can relax while you wait to be called for your appointment. 

Find The Right Dentist 

Finding the right dentist is so important if you have a lot of anxiety about dental procedures. When you are looking for a dentist, you always need to consider the practical things, like the location, the services they offer, and the price. However, you should also find a dentist’s office that provides a good experience for the patients. It’s a good idea to visit a few different practices and see what the atmosphere is like. Is it relaxing and welcoming or does it have a clinical feel to it? If possible, you should meet the dentist as well because you need to find somebody that makes you feel at ease. If you take your time and find the right dentist, it will be much easier to get over your fears. 

The worst thing you can do is avoid the dentist altogether because your dental health will suffer. Instead, follow these simple steps and you can conquer your fear.