Some people have an intense fear of dentists. This is an actual condition called "dental phobia," where a person is terrified of the experience of going to the dentist due to the possibility of pain or the need for extensive work. If you get squeamish about even just getting your teeth cleaned, you can overcome this fear and make the visits a little less intense by keeping a few useful tips in mind for your next visit.
Use Your Tongue on Sensitive Teeth
You may have a couple of teeth that are more sensitive than others. When the dentist is spraying cold water on your teeth, hold your tongue against the inside base of the tooth that is sensitive to the cold. The pressure and touch of your tongue helps to ease the paint. This also works for cold air.
Set all Appointments for the Year
According to Aetna and the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, you should go to the dentist at least once or twice a year. If you have problems with gum disease, go four times. Set your appointments for the next year or two in advance with your dentist so that you won't have an excuse for missing appointments.
Come Clean
The day of your dentist appointment, your teeth should be clean and flossed. Avoid eating food and drinking coffee right before you see the dentist.
Petroleum Jelly
When you're in the dentist's chair, your mouth will have to stay wide open, which could cause your lips and face to become dry. Take a small container of petroleum jelly with you to the dentist and keep it in your lap so that you can moisturize. You can also just ask your dentist for some.
Go to a Dental School
Call every local college in your area and ask if the school has a dental program. Dental students take patients from the community at discounted rates in order to practice various dental procedures.
Dental students are usually more understanding, gentle and optimistic about their approach to dentistry due to the fact that they are getting the latest training. Established dentists may have trained five, 10 or 20 years earlier, and do not always study up on the latest methods, so you may have a better, more comfortable experience with a dental student as compared to going to an older dentist at a private practice. And don't worry-- are carefully monitored by experienced instructors when they perform procedures.
Tags: your dentist, your teeth, Dental students, , your tongue