Tips for patients who have a fear or phobia of visiting the dentist
At Bupa Dental Care, we know that good oral hygiene contributes to better overall health and wellbeing, which is why it’s important to prioritise regular dental check-ups.
Nearly half (44%) of the UK population fear the dentist and three quarters (76%) admit to putting off going to the dentist entirely*.
Here are some tips to help you overcome your worries of visiting the dentist, provide reassurance, and empower you to feel more in control and at ease before, during, and after your appointment.
Being aware and understanding your fear is an essential first step and will help you to manage your thoughts. Consider whether your fear is actually of the dentist, or whether it’s from another phobia or fear, such as needles. This will help you to rationalise the experience.
Consider the origin of your dental phobia to understand how it occurred. Dental fear often stems from childhood experiences, such as a personal traumatic event, watching a scary film, or being told a dramatic story by a sibling or childhood friend. This will help you to understand and dismantle the fear and how to overcome it.
Challenge the origin of your dental phobia to break down the fear and remind yourself that:
If you've had a negative experience in the past, let the dental practice know. Many dentists are well versed in treating patients with dental anxiety and can offer tailored care to help you feel more comfortable. They can spend time to walk you through your check-up and what to expect. You can also agree on a signal to use if you need them to stop, such as raising your hand, so that you feel in control.
Ask to visit your dental practice before your appointment to get used to the environment. This can help reassure any concerns you might have had as you will likely find the atmosphere to be more welcoming and comfortable than expected.
Before your visit, imagine yourself sitting calmly in the dentist's chair and practice breathing deeply. Repeat this visualization often, as it can help you gain confidence. Deep breaths release calming alpha waves, similar to those experienced during mindfulness and meditation. They can also act as a psychological reset for the brain. We naturally sigh when something is over, so this tricks our brain into thinking that the task or problem is over before it even starts, which gives a psychological advantage.
Think about happy memories and your best achievements. Immerse yourself in those positive feelings while gently pinching either side of your thumb nail with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand. Practice this technique in advance and combine it with controlled breathing for added comfort during your appointment.
Support for nervous patients
We have plenty of guidance and support for nervous patients, including mindfulness techniques and advice on sedation.
Visit our dental anxiety hub for more information.
*Research conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 adults in the UK. The data was collected between 15th May 2024 and 18th May 2024.
