If you have not been to see a dentist for some time, you will probably find that things have improved a lot since your last visit. The general attitude is likely to be more relaxed, the dental techniques and safety procedures will be much better, and the equipment will be more up to date.


Why am I afraid of the dentist?
Being ‘afraid of the dentist’ may mean different things to different people. It will probably help if you work out just what it is that worries you most.

Some people have specific fears about actual areas of treatment – for example, they are scared that having a filling will hurt. Others hate the whole idea. Some people don’t like the thought of being out of control, and others worry about being treated as though they were on a production line.

Some people find the sounds and smells bring back memories of bad experiences as a child. Others worry about stories they have heard about other people’s bad experiences.

A smaller number of people are genuinely afraid of dental treatment. The good news is that more and more dentists now understand their patients’ fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life.

And nearly everyone would feel a lot better about dentistry if they knew for certain that they would always be treated kindly and considerately.


How do I choose a dentist?
The first fear to deal with is the fear of admitting to other people that you are afraid of dental treatment. If you can discuss it with your friends or colleagues you are likely to find someone else who has similar problems, and who may be able to recommend a dentist to you. A dentist who is personally recommended by another nervous person is usually a very good choice. It can also be a good idea to look in the Yellow Pages for practices that mention treatment for nervous patients.


Do some practices specialise in treating nervous patients?
Don’t be afraid to contact several practices before you decide which one is right for you. It may be easier for you if a friend makes some preliminary phone calls. Ask to speak to the practice manager, and find out if they make any special arrangements for nervous patients. If they don’t sound right for you, don’t make an appointment but go on until you find a practice you really like the sound of.

As someone who is nervous about dental treatment, you need to be looked after by a dental practice that will take special care of you – it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you. You may need to travel some distance, but it will be worth the effort when you are no longer afraid.

Often people find their fears change. After finally finding a dentist they like, they may still dislike dentists in general, but they have complete confidence in their ‘own’ dentist.


Who can I talk to?
There are many organisations that help people suffering from phobias. Most of them also offer help to people nervous of the dentist because it is a very common problem. Contact the British Dental Health Foundation’s Dental Helpline on 0870 333 11 88 to discuss your fears and find out about other organisations to contact.


I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time – will I need a lot of treatment?
Years ago it was normal for people to need fillings every time they went to their dentist, but things have changed for the better now. Fluoride toothpastes have made a large impact on tooth decay and you may be surprised at how little treatment you need.

The aim now is for healthy mouths that stay healthy. Teeth are for life and can last a lifetime if they are looked after properly. If you can get your mouth into good shape, with the help of the dentist and dental hygienist, you should need less treatment and there will be less for the dentist to do in the future.

Using a fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth and prevent decay. Look for products carrying the British Dental Health Foundation logo on the packet. These products have been clinically and scientifically tested, and a panel of dental experts have decided whether the packaging claims are correct before awarding their accreditation badge.

It is important to keep up your regular visits to the dentist, not only to monitor tooth decay, but also to help prevent gum disease. Once your mouth is healthy, your visits to the practice will often just be easy sessions for checking and cleaning.


How do I start going to the dentist if I am nervous?
It may be helpful for you to see the practice before you arrange an appointment. Call in to speak to the receptionist, and see what the atmosphere is like. Do the other people there look cheerful and happy? Does it give you a feeling of confidence? Perhaps you could meet the dentist and have a look around the practice as a visitor.


What will happen at the first appointment?
Your first appointment should just be for a consultation. See it as an opportunity for you to ‘interview’ the dentist, receptionist and dental nurse. Is the receptionist welcoming and helpful? Is the dentist interested in you? Is the nurse kind and understanding?

If you like what you see and hear, you may want to arrange another appointment for a short treatment session, perhaps with the hygienist. Allow yourself to take things at your own speed, and don’t be pressured into anything you are not happy about.


What type of treatment should I choose?
Most dentists today offer some form of treatment for nervous patients, whether they work in the National Health Service or privately. The NHS covers most treatments necessary to treat nervous patients. The main advantage of private practice is that more time can be spent with you to help you feel relaxed.


Should I tell the dental team that I am nervous?
Make sure that the practice knows you are nervous, so that they can help you.

Tell the receptionist when you first make the appointment so that she can make a note on your records. Tell your dentist what it is that you particularly dislike about dental treatment. If you think you know the reason, tell your dentist what may have caused your fear. Was it a bad experience as a child? A recent dental experience? Or is it a more general feeling of worry and fear?


I am afraid of injections – what can I do?
Many people are scared of the local anaesthetic injection needed to numb the tooth. Again, be sure to tell the dentist that this is something that bothers you. There are anaesthetic gels that can be applied to the area of the gum to be injected. This gel numbs the gum so that you cannot feel the needle.


What is the best time of day to visit the dentist?
Book appointments at a time of day when you feel at your best, and when you do not have any other commitments to worry about. Allow plenty of time so that you can get to the practice in a relaxed frame of mind – arriving in a rush will only make you feel more nervous.


Should I eat before going to the dentist?
It is usually best to have something to eat before you go, so there is no chance of you feeling faint while you are in the chair. If you are going to have a treatment, where you cannot eat beforehand, the dentist or nurse will give you full instructions.


Can I take a friend with me?
People often feel better if a friend comes with them to the practice. Think about what would suit you best. A reassuring and capable friend is often a great help.


I have gone for a check-up, what do I do next?
Take things one step at a time. Discuss any proposed treatment with your dentist, and decide what you feel you can cope with. This may be no more than an examination with a dental mirror first. If you succeed with that, you may feel you could have your teeth polished next, probably by the dental hygienist. Don’t be afraid to say when you have had enough - there is usually no reason to hurry through the dental treatment.


Can I take anything with me?
Listening to music is a good way to help you relax. Some practices have it playing in the treatment rooms, but the best way is to take a personal stereo so that you can have your own choice of music. In this way you can concentrate on your music – or anything else you like to listen to – and will not hear the sounds of the treatment. You will be able to distance yourself from the dental treatment as the sounds in your ears take all your attention.


What else can I do to help me relax during treatment?
Thinking hard about something other than the treatment is a good distraction. Try to solve a puzzle in your mind, or perhaps work out a plan for each day of next year’s holiday. Or give yourself something tricky to do - try to wiggle each toe in turn, without moving any of the others.


How can the dental team help me?
Your dentist should be happy to both talk to you and listen to you. Just talking about your fears can help lessen them. He or she should tell you what treatment you need, why you need it and what the fee will be.


Can I ask the dentist to stop if I need to?
Agree with your dentist a sign that means ‘stop now - I need a break’ before the treatment is started. Usually you can just raise your hand, and the treatment can be stopped for a few minutes until you are ready to start again. Once you know that you can control the situation you will feel more confident.


How can I feel more comfortable about treatment?
Is there some way that the dentist or assistant could help you during the treatment? Would you like them to talk to you, have background music playing, or describe exactly what they are doing while they are working? Let them know what would help to distract you.


How can I reduce the amount of treatment needed?
Your dentist and hygienist can work with you and tell you what to do to keep your mouth healthy. The healthier your mouth is, the less treatment you will need in the future.

You will probably be given advice about ways your diet can safeguard your teeth and gums, and the best way of brushing and flossing. Looking after your teeth at home can be the most important part of all.


What other techniques are available to help?
Let the practice manager or the dentist tell you about the relaxation or sedation techniques that the practice may offer. There are various methods available, and it will depend which methods the practice is experienced with and which you feel would help you most. Relaxation techniques can often be learned from specialist teachers or at home and can be very useful in controlling anxiety. (See ‘Tell Me About Relaxation & Sedation’)

Many practices offer several types of sedation, including inhalation (‘gas and air’) and intravenous (by injection).

Other practices offer hypnosis and relaxation techniques. You would learn these techniques, which would allow you to gain control over your feelings of distress or fear.

Counselling is another way of dealing with feelings of anxiety. This is usually carried out by a member of the practice team, in a room away from the surgery. You would be encouraged to discuss your fears so that they may be dealt with and overcome.