Private Health Care and You: 9 Tips for Overcoming Your Dentist Phobia

Published on 10/07/2016
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Learn deep breathing techniques.

If you truly are opposed to any sort of anxiety relieving medication then you can instead learn some other simple relaxation techniques. You obviously won’t have time to meditate while in the waiting room, and you might look silly if you did, so opt instead to practice some deep breathing techniques. This is a time tested method that will keep you focused inward, rather than toward your phobia. There are a variety of deep breathing methods out there but the simplest one is this: Take a deep, long breath while thinking of something positive before releasing it in a slow, controlled exhale. Repeat this for as long as necessary in order to calm yourself down. With enough practice you can quickly use this method in a number of different situations where your anxiety or stress might start to get to you.

Learn deep breathing techniques

Learn deep breathing techniques

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Arrive to your visit ahead of time.

If you really want to put your phobia on full display then try showing up to an appointment while running late. By the time you check in you’ll feel like you are already getting called to sit back in the chair. For some people this quick turn around works wonders, for others it creates even bigger problems. For some people the cure to their phobia can all come down to showing up to their appointment early. Get there ahead of time, fill out paperwork, and then go to the waiting area. Think of any questions you might have, put on calming music in your ear phones, and try to focus on something else for a little while. Ideally by the time your name is called you will have found some inner peace and this will in turn have you more than ready to get your appointment over with.

Arrive to your visit ahead of time

Arrive to your visit ahead of time

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