Fear of the Dentist

Fear of the dentist is a condition that affects many of us, especially if we do not go regularly. It’s quite common for people to avoid the dentist altogether and allow their dental hygiene to go down the tube, as their gums develop gingivitis and teeth begin to decay and abscess.

There are many techniques available today that can help make going to the dentist more comfortable for you by eliminating or lessening your anxiety to a manageable level. A survey by the British Dental Association found that 25% of people feared visiting the dentist.

Fear of going to the dentist can be anywhere from a small fear to an overpowering fear. Fearing what you don’t know is the most common fear. Dental fear is a reaction to a danger that you know about. For instance you may have had a bad time at the dentists when you were younger, and you worry about it happening again, will it hurt, will I vomit? The highest level is dental phobia which is similar to dental fear but much worse, and it is also the result of unpleasant past experiences, which usually caused you pain.

So what may you be frightened of?

A fear of needles
A fear of dental instruments in your mouth
The worry you might vomit
Unsympathetic dentists
Bad childhood experiences
Fear of the drill
Fear of anaesthetic
Feeling vulnerable

There are three factors that tend to keep your fear of the dentist going.

Sensitisation (you find it difficult going to the dentist)
Avoidance (you stop going to the dentist)
Negative, distorted self talk (which terrifies you)

Anxiety that becomes associated with going to the dentist, for instance, hardens into a fear of the dentist. If panic suddenly arises while you pick up the phone to make the appointment, or when you are on your way to the dentists, you may start feeling anxious every time you’re in one of these situations. The very thought of going to the dentist might be sufficient to cause anxiety, which is the definition of becoming sensitized.

If the sensitive feeling subsides your natural reaction may be to forget that it ever happened. Avoiding the issue is great,it saves you from being stressed out. You won’t be able to face and learn how to deal with your fear if you continue to avoid it.

The 3rd key point is the fact that many people make the simple act of visiting a dentist more difficult by thinking negatively. The more worry and anticipatory anxiety you experience about something you fear, the more likely you are to be involved in unconstructive self talk connected with that fear. Realize you may experience fear or other negative ideas  about going to the dentists. Both the negative self talk and negative image serve to perpetuate your fears, guaranteeing that you remain afraid. They also sap your confidence by making you feel that you may never be able to overcome your fear. By not talking yourself out of it and having a fearful imagination you would be more apt to conquer your evasion and go to the dentists confidently.

This is where Hypnotherapy Plymouth can help you. Hypnotherapy is useful in the way that it can help you overcome all kinds of fears, while you are comfortable and relaxed.

If you find an understanding dentist and visit regular, with each visit you will experience less anxiety until it diminishes, and the greatest advantage of all will be that you will have beautiful white teeth and sweet smelling breath.

I can honestly say that I suffered dental phobia for years, until I found a wonderful dentist and a good Plymouth hypnotherapist who cured me of my fears.

Ask your friends if the can recommend a dentist who is a good listener and good with dealing with anxious patients. It is important that you be able to feel at ease while discussing your fears with your dentist. There are many things a person can do to release anxiety.

Relaxation and distraction techniques
Pain free injection
Sedation
Listening carefully to you, giving you time
Explaining the procedures

You may wonder how hypnosis will assist you in overcoming your fear.

This is only one of many issues which Hypnotherapy Plymouth can help a person to deal with.

Hypnotherapists utilize a variety of means to help cure you of your phobia, often including NLP.

A session for anxiety uses your imagination and relaxation.  A typical session begins with breathing techniques, which are followed by turning negative self-talk into a positive way of thinking calmly.  You will also use your imagination to feel you are making a telephone appointment, as you are making this imaginary appointment, you are feeling calm and confident which will carry over to the moments before the actual appointment.

You will visualize visiting the dentist for an exam, while feeling secure and strong, and as you imagine dentists and drills you’ll be relaxed and in control, and visualize yourself exiting the clinic with a boost of adrenaline and confidence.

Knowing that you’ll never have to be afraid again will make you feel fantastic, and now you’ll have clean white teeth and nice breath.