Dental phobia has stopped many people from visiting the dentist. Many people fear visiting a dentist due to a previous negative dental experience, either their own or something that has happened to a friend or family member.  Other people might be afraid of the pain and the equipment placed in the clinic, which makes them fearful.  These fears can prove to be dangerous for your oral health.

Tips to overcome fears

Here are a few tips that could help an adult overcome their dental phobia:

• Relax: Make yourself comfortable and relax by taking deep breaths.
• Visualize: Imagine yourself somewhere pleasant and replace the feeling of fear with some nice thoughts.
• Be aware:  A reason that many patients are fearful is various misconceptions about what happens at the dentist. Dentist and their staff are always happy to answer any questions you have about your procedure before your visit. Don’t hesitate to call them and inquire about what will happen at your visit. Tell them if you are worried.

Dental fear in children

Children especially can have dental phobia and this can come from uncertainty and also fear of pain and equipment used.

Here are some strategies that parents can adopt for helping your child with the dental phobia:

• Calm confidence – show your child that you are not afraid and they will feel comfortable in that
• Introduce your child to the dentist or oral health therapist before your visit so they can have a friendly conversation which may ease the fear
• Visit the dentist yourself – take your child with you to watch a routine check-up at the dentist for yourself and the child will see that it is nothing much to be afraid of.