Preventing Dental Phobias In Children And Adults

Dental services are at the very forefront of dental provision. You may need a specialist, such as an orthodontist for teeth straightening or a dental surgeon if you require implants or you may need to find a pediatric dentist near me for your young child. But usually, trips to the dentist are fairly routine and will involve a holistic look at your mouth, gums, and teeth. The purposes are not only to spot problems but also to offer education on how to prevent issues arising in the future. This blog post looks at two common dilemmas – how to tackle a visit to a dental clinic if you’re a nervous patient; and how to approach introducing your children to dental services. Continue reading to discover everything that you need to know. For a recommendation for a good dentist, check out the professional dentists clinic in Catoosa OK.

Nervous About Visiting A Dental Clinic? Here’s What To Do

Few people actively enjoy a trip to the dentist, but for most, it’s a routine thing that we undertake because we know we should. But for some, the fear of the dentist in their area is almost unmanageable. It’s estimated that 9-15% of people experience anxiety or phobias to the extent that they won’t attend dental appointments at all, or only go when in extreme pain. In this situation you can look for a dentist who specializes in sleep dentistry which makes it much easier for the nervous patient. Being overly nervous is neither healthy nor necessary so this option may be perfect for those that have such phobias. So if you dread dental treatment of any kind, how can you mitigate the fear? 

The most important factor is to find a good dentist from the outset. All on 4 from The Point Dental, you can expect that your implants will feel just like your own teeth. The likes of Palms Dentistry will also do everything to ensure you are at ease during your dental appointment. Dental phobias are often caused by bad experiences in the past. Ensure you choose a compassionate dentist whose clinic offers a relaxing atmosphere and whose staff are welcoming and non-judgmental – that’s the best way to begin to tackle the problem. Write down your fears beforehand and communicate these to your dentist before any work begins. If they understand what aspects most disturb you, they can work with you to determine a strategy for tackling them. You may agree to a signal between you, for example, on which your dentist will stop work if you’re uncomfortable. If you can, start small, with a check-up for instance, rather than waiting till you have a raging toothache. 

And in preparation, learn some controlled breathing techniques: these can help you relax while treatment is taking place, which reduces the pain and stress too. Consider taking a friend or relative who’s relaxed about their own dental treatment to calm your nerves. In extreme cases, sedatives might be appropriate, but a good dentist will address your fears before beginning treatment.

When Should You Find A Dentist For Your Children?

A question commonly asked by parents is when should they first take their child to the dentist? In the paragraph above, we looked at nervous patients; and what any parent least wants is for their child to experience any kind of fear at an early stage. This can adversely affect their view of dental work, and the health of their teeth and gums, for the rest of their lives. Not only that, but there are strong links between poor dental hygiene and heart disease, lung infections, and so on. We all want the best for our kids, so it’s paramount you don’t leave that first trip to the dentist until they’re experiencing pain. Otherwise, it’ll forever be associated with bad memories. 

Experts suggest you first find a dentist for your child when their first tooth erupts from the gum. This initial visit shouldn’t be for anything more threatening than a familiarisation session with the dentist, their premises, the dentist’s chair, and the typical equipment involved. Only when the child appears comfortable with their surroundings, and trust has been built, should the dentist attempt to carry out a quick examination. As well as checking any potential problems with teeth, gums, jaws, and bite, your dentist will take the opportunity to offer you detailed advice on good oral hygiene as your child grows. Finally, you should always feel able to ask any questions you may have. If you’re seeking a dentist that’s sympathetic to both nervous patients and children’s unique needs, you will find that you do not worry so much about going to the dentist, and phobias and fears do not develop.

So there you have it: an insight into the steps you can take to prevent dental phobias in both children and adults. A lot of it comes down to the dentist you select. However, there are also some techniques you can use to keep yourself calm too, so don’t forget these!