We all have our fears. Some rational, others not so much. Get over your fear of the dentist.<\/p>\n
But whether you\u2019re deathly afraid of heights or you\u2019re terrified of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth – yes, this is a real thing, and it\u2019s called arachibutyrophobia – your fears are very real. And unfortunately, you don\u2019t get much of a choice as to what they are.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re lucky, you can go about your daily life without your fears getting in the way. But if you find yourself unable to go within fifty feet of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then you might have a problem.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, most of us aren\u2019t forced to spend any time around peanut butter if we don\u2019t want to. But for the tens of millions of Americans who have a fear of going to the dentist – also called dentophobia – avoidance can only work for so long.<\/p>\n
Not many people get excited about going to the dentist, but for those with dentophobia, the fear can be so intense that it prevents them from seeking dental care for years.<\/p>\n
As you can imagine, without proper dental care, tooth decay and gum disease<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/a> can run rampant and cause a laundry list of problems.<\/p>\n People who struggle with dental fear often feel trapped because the longer they avoid the dentist, the worse their dental issues get, and the more treatment they need to fix them.<\/p>\n Some people can\u2019t even drive by a dentist\u2019s office without getting stressed out.<\/p>\n If any of this sounds familiar, we created this guide for you. We\u2019ll be covering the many causes of dentophobia and helpful tips for overcoming dental anxiety for good. Our hope is to inspire you to seek dental care before your issues become too painful to ignore.<\/p>\n You might be thinking:<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does it matter why I\u2019m afraid of the dentist? I just want to know how to fix it!\u201d<\/p>\n But knowing why you\u2019re afraid of the dentist can help you understand how best to face your fear and ultimately get past it.<\/p>\n If you had a childhood experience that looked like something out of a horror movie, you can use that to your advantage.<\/p>\n When you work up the nerve to give your San Diego dentist<\/strong><\/u><\/a> a call, mentioning your previous experience can help them understand your situation and make your visit comfortable and accommodating for you.<\/p>\n Other than previous traumatic experiences, people can be afraid of the dentist for a number of reasons:<\/p>\n So, how do you break the cycle of fear, avoidance, and declining oral health?<\/p>\n As scary as it might seem, our goal with this article is to show you that overcoming dental anxiety is possible. With a little courage, communication, and some helpful tips, you can conquer your dental fear and smile with confidence again.<\/p>\n If you have dentophobia, the first and most important step to work through it is to communicate with your dentist.<\/p>\n Lay it all out.<\/p>\n If you have a horror story, share it with them.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t like the lack of control you feel in the dentist’s chair, agree on a hand signal with your dentist. The signal will tell them to stop if you become overwhelmed or start to feel pain.<\/p>\n And be honest about any pain you feel during treatment. Many people are nervous or embarrassed about stopping their dentist when they feel pain.<\/p>\n Dental care is a partnership. When you have open and honest communication with your dentist, you can work together to make your experience feel safe and secure.<\/p>\n Most often, it\u2019s not that people who fear going to the dentist don\u2019t want to improve their oral health. It usually has something to do with the fact that they don\u2019t want a drill or needle in their mouth.<\/p>\n And who can blame them?<\/p>\n Let your San Diego dentist<\/strong><\/u><\/a> <\/u>\u00a0know of any fears you have so they can take measures to help you stay calm and relaxed during your procedure.<\/p>\n At Dental Express, we offer nitrous oxide sedation<\/a> and other oral-conscious sedation options to make your experience more comfortable. These methods can help ease any fears you may have about pain, drills, or needles.<\/p>\n If the sound of a dental drill makes you want to run for the hills, feel free to bring in a pair of headphones with you.<\/p>\n You can listen to your favorite songs or some calming sounds to keep you relaxed throughout your treatment.<\/p>\n When we\u2019re scared or anxious, we tend to take fast, shallow breaths that deprive us of oxygen. During your treatment, focus on breathing in and out slowly to keep your stress under control.<\/p>\n If your schedule is tight on Friday, don\u2019t try to fit your dentist appointment in that day. Do yourself a favor and schedule your checkup or treatment on a day when you\u2019re not busy.<\/p>\n The goal is to keep your stress levels as low as possible, so you don\u2019t want to be running around like a crazy person trying to deal with five other errands on the same day as your appointment.<\/p>\n If you’re afraid of the dentist, searching for one you can trust can be just as frightening. When searching for the right San Diego dentist<\/strong><\/u><\/a>, look for one with excellent reviews that highlight friendly, professional staff.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also essential to look for a dentist that offers the proper sedation methods to help with your dental fear. Some dentists may not offer options like nitrous oxide sedation.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t be afraid to call and ask questions. Mention your concerns and see what they\u2019re willing to do to accommodate you.<\/p>\n Regardless of what fears you have, your oral health should be their top priority.<\/p>\n At Dental Express, we\u2019re no stranger to patients with dental fear. With us, you don\u2019t have to be embarrassed by your oral health.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s been six months or ten years since your last checkup, we\u2019ll welcome you back with open arms.<\/p>\n And no matter how many treatments you need, we\u2019ll go at your pace and operate within your budget.<\/p>\n Every step of the way, we promise to listen, accommodate, and make your experience feel comfortable and safe.<\/p>\n If you have a fear of going to the dentist, feel free to reach out over the phone<\/strong><\/u><\/a> to voice your concerns or ask any questions. Whenever you\u2019re ready to see us, we\u2019ll be there to provide the best dental care San Diego has to offer and give you your smile back.<\/p>\n Is it Safe to Go to the Dentist During the COVID-19 Pandemic?<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n Why Are My Gums Bleeding All of a Sudden?<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n Tips to Find the Best Dentist Near Me in San Diego<\/strong><\/u><\/a><\/p>\nWhat Causes Fear of Going to the Dentist?<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety<\/h2>\n
Communication<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Sedation<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Turn Up The Volume<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Breathe In, Breathe Out<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Schedule Responsibly<\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Find a Dentist You Can Trust<\/h3>\n
Here for You Every Step of the Way<\/h2>\n
Keep Reading<\/h3>\n