In my childhood I had bad problems with my gums, and used to be dreading going to the dentist even if it was months to go untill I actually went. It ruined my childhood basically. But I never told anyone. Anyway, I brushed religiously and got them sorted out. But I now have 1 or 2 teeth with slight gingivitis, its not major, just slightly red. I can even diagnose myself, because I went that many times when I was younger. Anyway, long story short, im going to the dentist tomorrow and absolutley petrified. Even though I know my gums are in good health except a few, im still scared to death. I swear, I start hyperventilating in the car.
Anyone know how to calm myself down?
2007-01-30 05:54:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Start tonight Mouth washing with hydrogen Peroxide, it will heal your gums and relieve any pain very quickly. Do it several times a day.
Many years ago I got gingivitis and strep, my Dr. prescribed the Hydrogen Peroxide mouth wash and it cured both of the problems. To this day I still use it at least once a day.
Good Luck.
When I go to the dentist for anything I always take a headset and a method for listening to music while they work. Its helps a lot.
Maybe a book on tape or CD from the library.
2007-01-30 12:28:48 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there
My sympathies with your situation!! It is not nice having such a bad experience. Basically things at the dentists have changed a lot over the years, no more sticking it out whatever happens. Firstly your dentist will probably just give you a good examination ( by looking and maybe doing a X-ray). Don't know if you've had a X-ray before but it is totally painless. Then if anything needs doing you would probably have to go back another time, cause it takes time to do fillings etc. sometimes not nec. at all. Now if you need further work you can ask whether they can give you some sedation in the dental chair, if not find another dentist that will do it, because they should be able to do it. It basically involves another doctor/anaesthetist that can give you a premed to take at home in tablet form (you will need someone to drive you though) and some local anaesthetic cream to put on the back of your hand an hour or two before you go in. Then they will insert a small little butterfly in the back of your hand, which you should not feel with the cream, and give you a short acting sedative so the dentist can sort you out. My advice for you for tomorrow is, your mind is a power full thing, just take deep breaths on your way to the dentist it release endorphins to make you feel calmer and just keep the phrase in your head that the dentist can't do anything to you that you don't want, thus if you need treatment you can come back and have it done with some sedation, just say it to yourself over and over, the days of restraining people against their will is forever over and you can walk out at any moment and find a better dentist. There are some dentists that specialise in working with people with phobias, maybe your dentist can recommend someone if he does not do sedation cases.
Best of luck, keep breathing and just think logically about it!
2007-01-30 06:11:36 · answer #2 · answered by julia1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you need to know is that going to the dentist now is NOTHING at all like it was years ago. Modern dentistry is much better than it used to be. Call the dentist office today to inform them of your dental fear so they can be prepared. Remind yourself over and over again that this is not what it used to be and that things will be ok. If you start to hyperventilate in the car stop and take slow slow deep breaths until you get it under control. I to was petrified of the dentist from years ago but can honestly say that dental care is nothing like it was before.
2007-01-30 06:01:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, sedation. Call your dentist, explain your fears and ask for a prescription of one or two pills they can give you to relax you. Usually along the lines of a valium. They usually give you one for the night before (so you can rest well) and one to take in the morning an hour before your appointment. If the dentist refuse...get a new dentist. Most are sympathetic with the "bad rep" they've gotten and will give you something....they want their business.
2007-01-30 06:06:18 · answer #4 · answered by boz4425 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take a zanax before I go, but you have to get it from your doctor not the dentist. I get a script for 1 pill and then take it an hour before I go. I also found that an Ipod helps, and keep your eyes closed.
OMG, I was slapped by my dentist when I was a kid AND he wouldn't let my mom come in with me!! Do they realize what they have done? That is creepy.
2007-01-30 06:17:00 · answer #5 · answered by D Marie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are still nervous when you are in the dental chair, tell the hygienist/ dentist about your fears. They can give you medication to make the visit more relaxable if your really are majorly scared.
2007-01-30 06:45:42 · answer #6 · answered by Educated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take responsibility for urself-if u allow urself the luxury of 'being afraid of the dentist' (yawn), ull give him a hard time, and his main concern will be to get u out asap.( this is from 'the horses mouth'!),so to speak..............
2007-01-30 06:17:35 · answer #7 · answered by shyteforbrains 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Two words....sedation dentistry. It has saved my life and I am the same way you are. Good luck!
2007-01-30 06:02:32 · answer #8 · answered by BriteHope 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋