Help me go to the dentist!
I am terribly afraid of the dentist it has gotten so bad I haven\'t gone in 4 years. I never had a traumatic experience or even a cavity I don\'t know why I get so scared. I have tried to make appointments but I don\'t show up because I start to freak out. I don\'t have any problems with my mouth that I know of my friend is at dental school and I can\'t spend anytime with her because I am afraid that she is going to want to look in my mouth or something. It has started to affect my normal life because we used to be best friends. I have taken my friends and family with but I can\'t open my mouth when the dentist tells me to my heart starts racing and my hands get sweaty. I can\'t let them come near me I now can\'t even step in an office my friends have taken me to their appointments but it doesn\'t work. I really would like help over coming my fear so I can go back to my normal life and not freak out when someone says the word dentist. I don\'t know why I am like this please help me.
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Answer: Overcoming your fears
By Sarah h
Dental Professional
Even though you don't recall a traumatic event in the past, a fear is triggered when you begin to think about someone examining your mouth. Sometimes it has nothing to do with a dental visit at all, but being vulnerable and in a position where you feel you are no longer in control (laid back in a supine position with a tray and instruments over you). What you need to do is find a dental office that will allow you first, just to have a face to face consultation with the dentist in an office, not a treatment room. At this visit you can explain your concerns as well as your goals to overcome the fear. There are several oral medications you can take to relax you. Examples are Valium and Xanax. Taking a prescribed medication an hour before your appointment can relax you enough to get through it but still be in control. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, in this situation baby steps are big accomplishments. Most dental offices understand and are happy to help you feel comfortable and overcome your dental fears.
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