People rather be reading a eulogy than go to a dentist clinic and let a dentist check their mouths! If you have an inherent fear of dentists, you are not alone. There are millions of people who rather be anywhere else than sit on a dentist’s chair.

Thankfully, there are several ways to overcome dental phobia and learn to relax when you visit your dentist. Remember, your smile is an asset. When you smile, it makes you look younger, more approachable, friendlier and more confident. So, you should always take care of your teeth and a dentist is the right professional to ensure your oral health is always maintained well.

Here are 6 tips to overcome your fear of a dentist clinic and to relax when you are sitting on that dentist’s chair that you detest so much.

It always pays to be honest with your dentist, be it about your oral health or fear. When your dentist knows your fear, it will allow him to come up with a plan to address and manage your fears. Furthermore, if you are honest with the dentist and actually speak about your fear, you will feel better. In fact, you will feel you are in control of the situation.

2. Have Faith in Modern Dentistry Practices

A decade ago, dentistry had not advanced as much as it has now. Today, dental procedures are all about making patients feel comfortable and ease discomfort and pain. Modern dentistry uses sedation dentistry for patients who have a low threshold for pain and are frightened of treatments and procedures. Also, the equipment and appliances used are not as painful as they used to be a few years ago. If your dentist realizes you are too uptight and afraid, he will offer ways to relax you during the treatment and you will not feel a thing.

3. Getting to Know the Procedure Beforehand Helps

Request your dentist to explain the complete dental procedure to you before you undergo it. As a result, you will know what to expect at each step of the procedure. This will help ease some of the fear that you are experiencing. Furthermore, it is your right to know exactly what the dentist will be doing to your teeth and gums.

4. Learn to Trust Your Dentist

When you trust your dentist, you will be comfortable in his presence and will not worry about what he is doing to your teeth. If you truly want to overcome your fear, learn to forge a trusting relationship with your dentist. Of course, it helps to have a congenial and friendly dentist with understanding dental assistants, but a lot has to do with how you relate to your dentist. This is the reason why you should find a dentist who you are comfortable with.

5. Do Deep Breathing Exercises

While you are sitting at the dentist clinic waiting for your turn, start doing deep breathing exercises to relax yourself. This will relax you by the time it is your turn. If you cannot focus on your breathing, listen to some music that relaxes you. Remember, you should listen to music that you like to ease your stress.

6. Stop the Procedure

If you are uncomfortable or in pain during the procedure, don’t be afraid to request your dentist to stop it. In fact, this is something you should talk about beforehand, so that you can give your dentist a sign to stop. Being able to stop a dental procedure midway will make you in control of your dental visit and you can take a short break to compose yourself before getting back into the dentist’s chair.

Use these tips to get over the phobia you have of a dentist clinic. You will be amazed how helpful they are. In the meantime, don’t let your fear stop you from getting regular oral checkups. This too will help ease your anxiety and make you less fearful. Furthermore, regular visits to your dentist will keep major dental problems at bay and you will not have to spend too many hours on the dentist’s chair.