You know that you need to go to the dentist, but how do you take that first step?

 

Schedule Your Appointment

Once you have realized that you need to overcome your fears and get to the dentist, be sure and schedule the appointment on a day where you don’t have a lot of stress. Don’t make it on a day where you know you will have to already meet the demands of work and deadlines. Most dental offices are open longer hours in the day, or will open early in the morning to help their patients.

When I sat down in a dental chair after five years of not going, I was highly embarassed at the condition of my teeth. I was sure the dentist was going to give me a lecture and take out a big set of pliers and yank out my teeth one by one with no anesthetic given.. You see, I remember as a child having to endure long visits at the dentists when the novacaine wore off and no new shot was given.

But instead he gently talked to me and showed me what he would do to save my teeth. I went in fully expecting to be told I needed dentures, and he talked me out of that quick enough. Said he has “seen it all” when it comes to bad teeth; drug addicts, bulimic teenagers, senior citizens who didn’t have many teeth left. He said mine weren’t “that bad.” He listened to me, he encouraged me, and he gave me hope. He was being kind, because in my mind, my teeth are pretty bad.

If going to the dentist alone, reduces you to tears, or you start to hyperventilate at the very thought, then take someone you care about with you. Have them bring distractions, a deck of cards, a board game, puzzle books something you enjoy that will take the edge down for you. Bring someone with a great sense of humor, or someone known for their storytelling abilities. You need the distraction.

Don’t Over-think Your Dental Visit

Try to keep your mind occupied with other matters prior to leaving for the dentist. The night before you have to go to the appointment, take a small jar with a tight fitting lid and put in about two tablespoons apple cider vinegar to a cup of honey. Stir it well, and take a tablespoon of it prior to going to bed.

You will survive the trip to the dentist office. If you are having a procedure that will put you in pain, your dentist will prescribe a pain killer and an antibiotic to fight infection. Though the trip to the dentist may be frightening to you and the pain unpleasant it won’t last that long. You will survive it!