Generally, going to the dentist is one of the appointments that causes the most nerves and anxiety in patients. Some are even capable of postponing treatment for years, even knowing that it is necessary. Because?
It has a very clear explanation: the simple fear of feeling pain and, something also key, is that when lying down and with the mouth open, the person feels more exposed or vulnerable.
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health explains that fear of the dentist often becomes a vicious cycle: fear leads to delaying visits, dental problems worsen, treatments become more invasive, and that experience reinforces anxiety for future visits.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Hispanic communities face greater difficulties in accessing dental care, due to factors such as language, cost, lack of health insurance, and distrust in the health system.
Read also: What it means to wake up at 3:00 am every night and when you should worry
6 tricks to overcome fear during a consultation with a dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends several simple measures that can be applied from the consultation itself to reduce fear and rejection of the process.
1. Talk to the dentist
Informing from the beginning that you feel anxiety allows the professional to adapt the treatment and explain each step in greater detail.
2. Start with simple quotes
A dental checkup or cleaning can help you regain confidence before performing more complex procedures.
3. Go accompanied
Having a family member or friend can provide peace of mind and emotional support before and after the consultation.
4. Practice relaxation techniques
Breathing deeply, listening to music with headphones, or using mindfulness exercises can reduce tension during treatment.
5. Agree on a cue to pause
Raising your hand when you need to rest helps maintain a feeling of control, one of the factors that most reduces anxiety.
6. Consultation on conscious sedation
For those experiencing intense fear, the ADA explains that this option uses medications to reduce anxiety while the patient remains conscious and can respond to the dentist's instructions.
Dentists themselves emphasize that understanding the origin of anxiety, modifying negative thoughts and gradually exposing yourself to consultations allows you to break the cycle of fear. Taking the first step, even for a brief check-up, can make all the difference in protecting your long-term oral health.
