Fear is a natural emotion that all humans face at one point or another. Some people believe the word itself is actually an acronym that stands for ‘forget everything and run!’ While funny, running is never the solution. The only way to deal with anything you may be afraid of is to face it head on.
Having a fear of the dentist is something that many people have. The idea of someone going into your mouth (a very vulnerable location) with a bunch of sharp metal tools can be overwhelming. But, fear not! The dentist’s office is a place that is calming, soothing and most importantly a place where your teeth can get the proper attention they deserve. Some dentists have even come up with some interesting ways to help quell the fears some may have, and they include:
Music – The sound of music is always a calming force, regardless of where you are. An Indonesian dentist had the brilliant idea to fuse music into his dental drill, so when he uses it the patient will hear the sweet sounds of music rather than a drill’s normal sound.
Salt – Placing salt on the tongue has been known to help ease patients fears as well. It tricks the brain into focusing on the sensation on the tongue, rather than the sounds of the drill being used or anything else that may be going on. It’s the ultimate distraction.
If you have any dental fears it’s important to know that it’s normal and that you aren’t alone. Contact your local Ottawa dentist and talk about the techniques they use to make your next visit as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
