Aaaaand relax… 5 tried and tested ways of managing dental phobia

So many of us experience anxiety about dental treatment – Dental Phobia UK estimates that 53% of adults in the UK experience some form of dental phobia, and 17% completely avoid visiting a dentist, even though they suffer as a result.

To be honest, it’s not really a surprise is it?  If you imagine the average dental practice, what words spring to mind?

Cold?

Clinical?

Sterile?

Pain?

Weird smell? (to be honest we don’t really know what that is either!)

These associations all linger from old-fashioned dental practices, negative media coverage, and disturbing scenes in TV and movies (if you’ve never watched Marathon Man – don’t , just...don’t).

While things are certainly better than they used to be, we have to admit as a profession we haven’t really nailed it.  The fact is people are still frightened of the dentist.

At Paste, we want you to enjoy coming to see us.

So, let’s start with a few ways you can manage your anxiety, with a little help from us.

1)  Communicate

We begin with probably the most important point.  Talk to us.  If you’re anxious at all, let us know.  We’ll let you lead the way and be in control, give you all the information you need to build a trusting relationship with our team and adapt any treatment to suit you.

2) See us regularly

Prevention is the name of the game – regular appointments with your dentist and dental therapist are the key to preventing painful issues arising.  As a result, you won’t always associate us with painful, stressful experiences.  Heck, you might even enjoy it!

3) Choose the best appointment time for you

Make sure you arrange your visit with us at a time when you will be the least busy – the last thing you want is to add more stress to the situation worrying about a work commitment or picking the kids up from school on time.  We have flexible appointment times available to suit your schedule.  (include opening hours)

4) Breeeeeeeaaaaaaathe

Have you ever noticed when you’re in a stressful situation, you hold your breath? This reduces the oxygen in your body, which leads to more even more stress.  Slow, focussed breathing is a fab way to combat those nerves.  Doing it before and during  your appointment will really help you feel more in control. 

If you are generally stressed and anxious, meditation and mindfulness practices are great.  Try Headspace for some useful tips and techniques.

5) Try some distraction action

While we like to think we can multitask, the truth is our brains can’t really focus on two things at once.  So doing something to take your mind away from dental treatment can really help.  This could be focussing on squeezing a stress ball, listening to music on headphones, footering with a fidget spinner….. whatever little thing takes your mind off the stressful issue can make a difference.

We understand that fear of the dentist is very real for many of you.

 We’re here to change that.