Fear of the dentist isn't weakness or a "whim." For some people, the anxiety is tied to past pain, injections, sounds, a feeling of losing control, or embarrassment about the state of their teeth.
How to make the first step easier
- book a short consultation without promising to treat everything at once;
- tell the front desk and the dentist right away that you're anxious;
- agree on a hand signal to stop;
- ask them to explain each step briefly, before doing it;
- prepare a list of questions and medications so you don't have to remember them in the chair.
When fear shouldn't delay care
Severe pain, swelling, pus, a fever, an injury, or being unable to open your mouth or swallow are not situations to wait out. A dentist can offer options for pain control and referral.
Sources: NHS/NHS England, ADA. AiOraly helps you prepare a list, but it does not treat an anxiety disorder.