Beware: Fear is Contagious

Here are some hints for having a less stressful dental visit:

-- When you call for an appointment with a new dentist, tell the receptionist that you are a nervous dental patient.

-- Ask for the first appointment in the morning so you won’t have to worry about it all day.

-- Go to the appointment with someone you trust. If you have the same dentist, make back-to-back appointments.

-- Get to know your dentist.

-- Remind the dentist and the dental assistant that you are afraid. They’ll be able to explain what they are doing during procedures.

-- Relax in the chair. Breathe deeply and think about a pleasant scene.

If you are an anxious dental patient and a parent, you can prevent your fears from affecting your children. Here are some suggestions:

-- Don’t talk about your anxiety in front of your child.

-- Don’t take your child with you when you go to the dentist.

-- Never threaten your child with a visit to the dentist.

-- Have a friend or relative who is a relaxed dental patient take your child along on a routine visit to let the child watch.

-- Your child’s first visit to the dentist should not be for treatment but to allow your child to meet the dentist and to get to know the office.

-- Choose a dentist who has a reputation for being good with children. Specialists called pedodontists practice children’s dentistry.

-- Select a dentist who shows and tells your child what is involved in a procedure before doing it.

-- Call ahead to confirm your child’s appointment time so you can avoid a long wait in the reception area and the possibility of hearing other children crying, which can create anxiety in your child.

-- Don’t stay in the examination room with your child unless your child asks that you do.

-- Schedule an enjoyable activity afterward, such as a visit to the zoo or a shopping trip.