How to overcome fear of the dentist

Prevent from childhood

To prevent this fear of the dentist it is important that as a child we apply these factors:

• Transmit tranquility and avoid apprehension, when taking the child to the dental office.
• Finding a pediatric specialist will help make the experience understandable and even fun for the child.
• Avoid the association of dentist and pain on the part of the child.

Following these tips, the safest thing is that the child does not experience fear or anxiety when they go to the dentist's office. This is undoubtedly the best and most preventive measure for fear of the dentist.

Relationship with the professional

For those who have not been so lucky and for those who are already adults, it must be borne in mind that both dentistry and dentists have evolved a lot. The most important thing of all is to have good communication with the dentist, a good "feeling". To be able to explain our problem, our fear, and to understand us. Be understanding, patient, attentive, and reassuring. If there is no such communication and trust, it is better to change professionals.

Tips to overcome fear of the dentist

There are certain tricks that can help you cope with nerves and anxiety, especially in the first visits. We must bear in mind that, if we are in the hands of a good professional, as we have visits, the degree of nervousness and anxiety will be less and less. The tricks are as follows:

• Be rested
• Arrive in advance: anticipating the time of traffic jam, looking for parking ... This will give us a greater sense of control and reduce stress.
• Bringing something to entertain us: a book, a hobby or a magazine can be useful to keep our minds occupied while we wait in the waiting room.
• Bring music in an MP3: if what torments us is the noise of some dental appliances, listening to music can help.

All these measures, added to putting ourselves in the hands of a good professional, will help make the visit to the dental office more bearable.

In addition, if we periodically go to the dentist every six months, surely the treatments that we have to undergo will be shorter and less invasive, which is why periodic reviews are recommended.