6Tricks to

Your Fear ofOvercome

the DentistBy Kami Hoss

1. Let the dental

team know. If you experience anxiety during trips to the

dentist, be sure to let the dentist, thehygienists, and any other relevant staffmembers know of your fears so that theythemselves can be prepared while also

helping to minimize your fears.

2. Use the

Buddy System.Whenever you're able, bring someone alongwith you on your trips to the dentist so thatyou have someone there for emotional

support. Having a person you know and trustwith you can help assuage your fears.

3. Watch some TV.

Most dental exam rooms have a TVsomewhere in the room, usually visible fromthe dental chair. Talk to your dentist and see if,during your appointment, you can switch theTV to your favorite station or see if you canbring something in to watch that will distractyou from what's happening in the room.

4. Talk your way

through it.For many people, their anxiety about thedentist stems from their fear of not knowingwhat's going on during the procedures. Talkto the dental staff ahead of time aboutwalking you through each step of the

process, explaining things before and whilethey do them.

5. Be prepared.

Minimize the terror that comes with visitingthe dentist by doing your part, throughout therest of the year, to take great care of your

teeth so that when the time comes to visit thedentist, the cleaning and work that needs to

be done will be minimized.

6. Explore

sedation options. If all else fails, for people whose phobia of thedentist is too much for them to handle, thereare sedation dentistry options for those

whose fears are standing in the way of theirhealth. Consult your dentist to learn ifsedation dentistry is right for you.