Guest Blog from Shelley Smith, Health Coach at Santosha Health Coaching

Going to the dentist is a crucial part of maintaining your health, but for many people, it can be an anxiety-inducing experience. The fear of dental visits is a common issue that affects people of all ages, and it often stems from past negative experiences or a general fear of the unknown. As a health coach, I help people to overcome their fears, here are my top tips to help you overcome fear and anxiety for dental visits:

1. Acknowledge and Understand Your Fears
The first step in overcoming dental anxiety is acknowledging and understanding what you are actually afraid of. Take some time to identify the specific aspects of dental visits that make you anxious. Perhaps it’s the smells, the sound of the equipment, the fear of pain, or the feeling of loss of control. Sometimes a lack of clear explanation of the procedures or conversely too much information may be confusing and overwhelming, too. Cost concerns may also impact your anxiety. By pinpointing your fears, you can address them more effectively.

2. Communicate with Your Dentist
Open and honest communication with your dentist is vital. Before your appointment, let your dentist know about your fears and concerns. A compassionate and understanding dentist will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and provide reassurance. Knowing that your dentist is aware of your anxiety can help create a more comfortable experience.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Learning relaxation techniques can significantly reduce anxiety during dental visits. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music before and during your appointment can help relax your mind and body. Consider exploring techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to ease anxiety. Insight Timer is free and has tonnes to choose from.

4. Use Distraction Techniques
Distracting yourself during dental visits can be helpful in managing anxiety. Bring headphones and listen to your favourite music or a podcast to take your mind off the dental procedures. 

5. Seek Support
If your fear of dental visits is severe and affects your overall well-being, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor or clinical hypnotherapist who specialises in anxiety disorders. They can help you address and work through your specific fears, providing you with coping mechanisms tailored to your needs.

6. Gradual Exposure
If your anxiety is more manageable, but still present, consider gradual exposure to dental visits. Start by scheduling shorter, less invasive appointments, such as cleanings, and gradually progress to more involved procedures. Each positive experience can help build confidence and reduce anxiety over time. This is particularly important for anxious children – the anxious child can benefit from watching an older sibling or parent model a good dental experience.

7. Positive Self-Talk and Visualisation
Before and during your dental visit, practice positive self-talk and visualisation. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations and reassuring statements. Visualise yourself in a calm and relaxed state, envisioning a successful and comfortable dental experience. Remember, your thoughts and mindset have a powerful impact on your emotions and experiences.

8. Dog-tor Gilbert the Therapy Dog and Therapy Fish
NFDC provides a special experience for animal lovers, especially those with dental anxiety or concerns about visiting the dentist. Research has shown the calming effect of a school of fish (i.e. a calming fish tank or aquarium) in a dental setting can provide benefit to an anxious patient. For dog lovers, be sure to ask the team at NFDC about scheduling an appointment with Dog-tor Gilbert, a graduate from Mobility Dogs NZ who visits the clinic once a week to help those that are specifically anxious about their appointment.

Overcoming dental anxiety is a journey that requires patience and persistence. Your oral health is important to your overall well-being, so by taking these positive steps you will be on the path to retraining your brain to not fear the dentist anymore.

 

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