What to do if You Have a Fear of the Dentist

By Patti Z.
September 25, 2012

Do you keep rescheduling your upcoming dental appointments? Does your heart pound a little faster when you enter the dental office?

Unfortunately, ignoring dental visits, routine checkups, and cleanings can lead to severe pain and serious problems that you eventually can't ignore. Here are some simple tips that can help you cope with a fear of dentists.

7 Simple Tips to Decrease Fear of the Dentist

• Tip 1: Ask your dentist to explain what is going to occur during your visit.
• Tip 2: Talk with your dentist about your past experiences and fears.
• Tip 3: Ask your dentist about tools or sedation options to help you relax and sooth your nerves.
• Tip 4: Discuss options with your dentist to complete dental work over multiple visits. Begin with just the exam, and then discuss the next steps—the process might be easier than you think.
• Tip 5: Consult with your physician about options for medication to help calm anxiety.
• Tip 6: Try bringing a friend or family member to your dental appointment.
• Tip 7: Listen to music or squeeze a stress ball to help you relax.

Improve Your Oral Health

Another way to help your dental visits go smoothly and reduce fear of the dentist is to improve your oral health. Between dental visits, you can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay at home with the Waterpik^® Water Flosser. Gum disease is a serious chronic problem that causes bad breath and tooth loss. Gum disease has also been connected with other systemic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.

Water Pik, Inc. guarantees healthier gums in just 14 days when you use a Water Flosser. In just one minute per day, you'll be on your way to excellent oral health and the cleanest, freshest mouth possible.