Overcoming Your Embarrassment of Going to the Dentist Communicate your concerns. Explain to your dentist why you’re embarrassed before your visit. Sharing your concerns with the dentist and dental staff will help them adapt their treatment to your needs and put you at ease while you’re in the chair.
Are You Too embarrassed to go to the dentist?
Unfortunately, many of us are too embarrassed to go to the dentist because our teeth are in a really bad state. No matter how embarrassed you are, you must go see a dentist right away before your teeth get even worse. The job of the dentist is to help you fix any dental problems and chances are, he or she would have already seen stuff much worse.
Are You Scared to go to the dentist for bad teeth?
Ironically, many people are scared to go to the dentist because of bad teeth. They worry that the dentist and their staff will judge them. You’re definitely not alone in being embarrassed by what the dentist will think of the state of your teeth or your dental hygiene! Please don’t be embarrassed about going to get help.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist for a long time?
Embarrassment is perhaps the most common concern voiced by people who haven’t been to a dentist in a very long time. You might feel embarrassed about: the state of your teeth. about “having let things get this bad”. about your lack of oral hygiene. about not having seen a dentist for a long time. about being fearful.
How can I distract myself during a dentist visit?
You can use a variety of different media to help distract you during a dentist’s visit. Listening to music or watching televisions your dentist has installed can help relax you and may minimize your fears. [34] Many dentists now have MP3 players or televisions and tablets they offer to patients to help distract them.
Should I feel embarrassed about going to the dentist?
If you've ever stayed away from the dentist because you felt like you had the worst teeth ever, you're not alone. A lot of people are hesitant or afraid of the dentist because of bad teeth or chronic dental problems. If you're one of them, rest assured that there's nothing to be embarrassed about.
What should you not do before a dentist appointment?
Below are some foods to avoid before going to the dentist.Citrus. From a tall glass of grapefruit juice, orange juice or lemonade to a fresh ripe mandarin, citrus foods and beverages shouldn't go in your mouth before you visit your dentist. ... Beef Jerky. ... Popcorn. ... Protein Can Keep You Full.
How do you prepare yourself for a dentist?
Seven Things to Do Before You Next Dentist AppointmentConfirm the Appointment. Before anything, make sure you have all the right information. ... Know What You Are Going For. ... Clean That Mouth Out. ... Don't Be Late! ... Have Your Information Ready. ... Share a Thorough Medical History. ... Be Open and Honest.
How can I calm myself before a dentist appointment?
Learn Ways to Calm Nerves Before a Dentist VisitPrepare to share your fears with your dentist. ... Plan ahead. ... Watch your food and water intake. ... Practice a deep breathing technique. ... Visit your dentist regularly, avoid skipping or prolonging appointments. ... Ask the doctor to explain the process with you beforehand.More items...•
How can I impress my dentist?
5 Tips to Impress Your Dentist at Your Next CheckupDrink Water. Staying hydrated is critical for the health of your body and mouth. ... Brush Your Teeth & Your Tongue. ... Floss Daily. ... Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ... Use a Nightguard to Combat Bruxism.
Can your dentist tell if you floss?
Yes, the Dentist Knows Obviously, your dentist will be able to tell if your habit of not flossing has led to cavities between your teeth. However, even if the problem hasn't reached that point yet, your dentist and dental hygienist will still be able to tell in a second whether you've been flossing.
Should you eat before dentist?
A high-protein meal before you go to the dentist can help you to feel satiated for at least three hours. If you've got a long dental appointment coming up, a meal that is high in protein - such as eggs, nuts, or fish - can help you to continue feeling full throughout the procedure.
What do you wear to a dentist?
WHAT TO WEAR: Considering the nature of a dental cleaning and other dental appointments, it is advised that you wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement of the head and neck. These clothes should also be easily cleaned.
What to do before getting fillings?
The Dental Filling Procedure There's not too much you'll need to do to prepare for your appointment. Because the procedure is non-invasive, you don't need to fast. Also, go ahead and brush your teeth as you normally would. If you know you'll have anxiety, try to schedule your filling appointment for the morning hours.
How do you not panic at the dentist?
Here are several coping mechanisms to help ease your fears and get you back in the dental chair.Communicate your concerns to your dentist. Don't hesitate to communicate your concerns to your dentist. ... Breathing exercises. ... Meditation and muscle relaxation. ... Guided imagery. ... Hypnosis. ... Distraction. ... Bring a friend. ... Analgesia.More items...•
How can I not be afraid of the dentist?
Tips to stay calmSee the dentist at a less busy time of day, such as the morning hours. ... Bring noise-canceling headphones or ear buds with music to help you relax.Ask a friend or a loved one to accompany you during your appointment.Practice deep breathing and other meditation techniques to calm your nerves.
How do dentists deal with nervousness?
If you're fearful or feeling anxious about visiting your dentist you could:speak to your dentist and explain your feelings, you can then work together to make your visit as relaxed as possible.pro-active breathing and relaxation techniques, these can help to calm your nerves and distract you from any procedures.More items...•
Should you brush your teeth before a dentist appointment?
If you're wondering if you should brush your teeth before going to the dentist, the answer is yes. You absolutely can brush (and floss) your teeth the day of your next office visit.
Is it OK to drink coffee before a dentist appointment?
Tip #3: Avoid Caffeine Before Your Appointment If you are prone to anxiety when visiting the dentist, ditch the coffee that morning and drink a decaffeinated cup of joe or a cup of caffeine-free green tea instead. Caffeine is one of the leading causes of anxiety and can sometimes result in a panic attack.
Is it OK to eat before a dentist appointment?
A high-protein meal before you go to the dentist can help you to feel satiated for at least three hours. If you've got a long dental appointment coming up, a meal that is high in protein - such as eggs, nuts, or fish - can help you to continue feeling full throughout the procedure.
What can I take before the dentist?
Your dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), that you can take one hour before a scheduled dental visit. Your dentist may also recommend conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”), which can help calm nerves.
There is no Need to be Embarrassed or Fearful
At Blanco Crossing Dental, Dr. Jabbour and his staff frequently welcome patients who for a variety of reasons are too embarrassed to go to the dentist for the care that is required to ensure their oral health.
Ashamed to Go? Don't Be. Your Teeth And Dental Health Are Too Important to Ignore
Thinking back, when was your last checkup? Do you feel that you do not have a healthy mouth? Do you have bad teeth? If it was more than a year, you are due. If it was longer, than it is even more important to schedule an appointment.
The Health of Your Mouth is Linked to Your Overall Physical Health
Additionally, your oral and overall health are interlaced. Issues in your mouth and/or bad teeth can affect other things in your body and vice versa. Neglecting your teeth can be a sign of something more serious such as heart disease and put your overall health at risk. It could lead to bone loss.
Improving Your Smile Will Give You Confidence
Modern dentistry can do a lot of great things to improve your smile and oral health. If you’re looking to keep your teeth healthy a regular dental appointment is key. People who avoid dental visits, have bad oral hygiene habits or have neglected their oral health, may develop a fear of dentists or just be embarrassed.
Embarrassed to go to the Dentist?
So, what are you waiting for? Ashamed to Go? Countless people feel that way and there are many reasons employed to skip that trip to the dentist. Here is a list of a few of the top reasons:
Overcoming Your Embarrassment of Going to the Dentist
Communicate your concerns. Explain to your dentist why you’re embarrassed before your visit. Sharing your concerns with the dentist and dental staff will help them adapt their treatment to your needs and put you at ease while you’re in the chair.
How to Overcome Your Dental Fear or Embarrassment
There a few tips of advice to help get over your embarrassment or dental anxiety. Your dental health is very important and you feel comfortable and safe with your dental team.
How to prevent plaque on gums?
It’s time to make some sacrifices in your eating habits. Unless you absolutely have to, I highly suggest you stick with drinking water and avoid other beverages, especially carbonated soft drinks. You should also avoid any food that is likely to cause teeth plaques to form. Last but not least, you want to eat food that will strengthen both your teeth and gum. For example, food that is rich in calcium is great for the teeth. We recommend things such as cheese, milk, natural orange juice, and yogurt. For your gum, you want to eat food that is rich in antioxidants that suppress bacterial infections.
How to prevent tooth decay?
One clinical study suggests that you can avoid tooth decay by chewing sugar-free gum for around twenty minutes after a meal. Be careful when you pick your gum. You want to pick ones that have additional benefits for your teeth. For example, gums that contain Xylitol can help you maintain a neutral pH level in your mouth. The less acidic your mouth is, the greater the chances of avoiding teeth diseases.
How to overcome fear of dentist?
Some people may be reluctant to admit that they have a dental phobia. In order to overcome your fear of the dentist, write out a list of what is causing you anxiety at the dentist. You may not even be aware of your specific fear (s) until you start to think about it.
What happens if you don't go to the dentist?
Not going to the dentist regularly can lead to cavities, abscesses, broken or missing teeth, and bad breath. Some of these conditions could harm your social life or worse, your physical health, as infections that you might have not noticed could affect you. ...
How to get over a dental phobia?
The more often you visit the dentist and have positive experiences, the more likely you are to maintain your oral health and get over your dental phobia. Set up appointments at times that you are less likely to have to wait for a long time in the waiting area. Being the first patient in the morning is a good tactic.
How to get rid of fear of a syringe?
Try breathing exercises to help relax you. You can breathe rhythmically to a count of 4 seconds of inhaling to 4 seconds of exhaling. If it helps, think the word "let" as you inhale and "go" as you exhale to help your mind release your fear as much as possible. If necessary, double up on your relaxing techniques.
How to calm down after a procedure?
Take a friend or family member to your appointment . Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment. They can help to distract you from a procedure, and also may help calm you. If you are extremely anxious, ask the doctor if your friend can accompany you to the procedure room.
Is it normal to be afraid of the dentist?
Be aware that your fear of the dentist is normal. There is no reason to be embarrassed by your fear of the dentist. Many people around the world share this phobia. It should not keep you from getting proper dental care, which can have serious effects on your health and ability to socialize.
What to do if you are afraid of dentist?
The best thing to do if you’re afraid of a dentist (because of bad teeth) is to find a compassionate dental team that co-plans your care alongside you, rather than pushes you into treatments you don’t feel comfortable with.
Why do people avoid dentists?
Some of the most common reasons that people avoid the dentist’s office include: 1 Poor or bad experiences with dentists in the past 2 Embarrassed by rotten teeth 3 Worried about the cost of repairing their teeth 4 Anxiety about having dental work done 5 Not having a dentist that they trust 6 Sensitive teeth and gums
Is Parkdale Dental Centre open?
If you’re one of them, rest assured that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’ll find Parkdale Dental Centre is an open ...
Why are people scared of dentists?
Ironically, many people are scared to go to the dentist because of bad teeth. They worry that the dentist and their staff will judge them. You’re definitely not alone in being embarrassed by what the dentist will think of the state of your teeth or your dental hygiene! Please don’t be embarrassed about going to get help.
What do dentists do?
Treating dental problems is what dentists do. Most caring professionals are there to treat their patients’ problems, and offer restorative solutions. If a dentist berates you for the condition of these teeth, get up and walk out. And if even a dentist tells you to get up and walk out….
What are the symptoms of a toothache?
You may feel embarrassed about: 1 the state of your teeth 2 “having let things get this bad” 3 being judged 4 your lack of oral hygiene 5 not having seen a dentist for a long time or 6 being fearful.
What is the vicious circle of dental phobia?
This is the vicious circle of dental phobia: whatever caused the phobia initially ( be it painful or traumatic experiences, hurtful remarks, or something else) leads to avoidance. The resulting lack of dental care has a bad effect on your oral health.
Why is embarrassment important?
Showing embarrassment sends out a signal that you’re sensitive to social rules and concerned that you’ve transgressed 3. Embarrassment saves face and makes people (including dentists) like and forgive you.
Why does my oral health get worse?
Depression. Depression and other mental health issues can cause your oral health to get worse. When you are depressed, you’re less likely to look after your health. You may not be able to drag yourself out of bed or have a shower, never mind brush your teeth.
Do dentists browbeat patients?
Whatever the reason, the important thing is that the person is coming in for dental care now. The bottom line is that most dentists do not browbeat their patients about the condition of their teeth. That may have been common years ago, but is not nearly as prevalent today.
What is conscious sedation dentistry?
This is a special kind of anesthesia that causes a state of deep relaxation sometimes bordering on sleep that leaves the patient feeling great during and after the appointment. Sedation dentistry methods include nitrous oxide or simply taking a single pill. The amount of anesthesia given can vary from patient to patient. It’s tailored specifically to each patient for the best results. Recovery is shorter than general anesthesia as well. The side effects of conscious sedation dentistry typically wear off 30-45 minutes after the work is done.
Can a cavity be fixed in a single appointment?
They only grow, get worse over time, and cause more problems as they progress. A simple cavity that can be fixed in a single appointment can, if not addressed, decay a tooth to the point that the only way to save it is with a much more invasive and time-consuming root canal procedure. You can always prevent oral health problems from getting out of control by being proactive with regular dental checkups.
Can you replace missing teeth with implants?
Even if your teeth are too decayed to be saved, there are always options to get your dental health back on track. Prosthodontics or dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth. In the most extreme cases you can be even fit with an entirely new set of teeth. Dental implants can be rooted directly into your existing bone structure with titanium anchors. Your new teeth will be as strong as your original teeth ever were!
Can you be ashamed to show your teeth?
Many people who have neglected their dental health may feel ashamed to let a stranger look at their teeth. If you’ve been ashamed to show your smile then now is the perfect time to get it fixed so you can feel good again. Your dentist is not going to judge or shame you if you’re there making steps to improve your dental health!
Why can't we give you the details of your mouth?
We can’t give you the details because that would violate HIPAA. You’ll just have to trust us on this one. Your mouth is not the worst we have ever seen. In fact, the people who say things like this typically have very minor dental problems. We tend to magnify our own problems, assuming they are worse than others’.
What is the myth of being ashamed of yourself?
Everyone has a different story. We will not judge you if yours includes times of neglecting to carry out perfect oral hygiene for whatever reason. Feeling ashamed will not help you change things; it will keep you at home in fear of what everyone else thinks.
Is preventive dentistry expensive?
The important thing is being committed to seeing it through, however slowly you may undergo the process. Preventive dentistry is not that expensive and helps slow down the snowball of active dental disease in your mouth.
Can you get a tooth infection?
Well, technically you can . But it sure is a terrible idea. Knowingly allowing infectious diseases to grow and spread throughout your mouth is a risky game to play. Chronic gum disease is linked with diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Acute dental infections can spread to your airway, bloodstream, or brain and kill you.