7 ways to overcome a fear of the dentist

Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair make your heart race and palms sweaty? You’re not alone. Research shows approximately one in seven Australian adults are affected by a dental phobia, making it one of the most common anxiety disorders in our country.

Regularly visiting the dentist and keeping on top of your oral hygiene isn’t just about having a perfect set of pearly whites; taking care of your teeth and gums can also help prevent many different diseases including heart disease and pancreatic cancer.

To keep your teeth in tip-top shape, a biannual trip to the dentist is essential. So, if you’re currently suffering from dental anxiety, here are seven things you can do to kick that fear to the kerb.

The first step to overcoming your fear is to identify exactly what it is that makes you feel afraid, so spend some time reflecting on the source of your anxiety. For some, it might be based on a bad experience; for others, it could be specific to a drill or needle. Once you’ve identified what you’re fearful about, you’ll be better placed to work towards a solution.

By booking in the first appointment of the day, you'll be able to get your check-up over and done with as quickly as possible. An afternoon appointment means you’ll have more time for the dental phobia to kick in, and you'll likely be thinking about it unnecessarily all day.

If you have a friend or family member who is fearless when it comes to the dentist, enlist their help by taking them along with you. They’ll be able to ensure you turn up to your appointment (which is often the hardest part) and they can keep you company and reassure you throughout.

Does listening to Jack Johnson put you in a zen-like state? Do you have a favourite podcast that absorbs your attention? Are you halfway through an audiobook? If you answer yes to any of the above, then pop in some headphones during your appointment and try to keep your mind focused on anything other than what’s going on in your mouth.

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to lock in an appointment as that might only make things worse. The best thing you can do is to make two check-ups part of your annual routine. At the end of your appointment, see if you can schedule in your next check-up for six months’ time or ask for a reminder closer to the date. Regular visits mean problems will be identified early and treated before they turn into anything more serious.

A great way to relax and keep calm during your appointment is through controlled breathing. If you’re feeling stressed, give the 4-7-8 breathing technique a try. To practice this breathing method, inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale for eight seconds. Practice this for four full breaths and you’ll be able to relax your muscles and slow your heart rate.

Hate the thought of needles? Worried about pain? Dreading the drill? There's no shame in talking through any fears you have with your dentist. Once they’re aware of your situation, they’ll be able to address your concerns and create an action plan that’s tailored to suit your needs. They can also help come up with a signal or cue you can enact (like raising your hand) if you want to take a break from treatment or stop it altogether.

When you’re ready to book your dental appointment, our nib First Choice network should be your first port of call to keep your out-of-pocket expenses low. It’s our community of specially-selected health providers who have agreed to provide nib members with quality healthcare and great customer service at an affordable price.

Eligible members 100% back on preventative dental check-ups with a dental practitioner in our No Gap dental network.¹

You can choose to see the dentist of your choice, but by choosing an nib First Choice provider, it simply means you could pay less. Search the network now to find a provider.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.

¹Payment by nib of dental benefits is subject to serving relevant waiting periods, annual limits and service limits. Check your cover by visiting your member account or call 13 16 42. The dental check-up covers an examination or consultation (011 to 015), diagnostics (022, 037) scale and clean (114, 115) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride treatment (121) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist (dentures not included). The services provided will be deducted from your annual limits and/or service limits. The No Gap offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash and is only available with dentists who have a No Gap First Choice network provider agreement with nib.