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Dental Work and Holidays: A Guide for Travellers


About Me

Dental Work and Holidays: A Guide for Travellers

Just because you go on holiday, doesn't mean that the bacteria on your mouth does. Hi! My name is Mandi, and as a lover of travelling, I have taken a lot of trips. Unfortunately, I have also had the misfortune to suffer from dental issues on those trips. This blog focuses on everything related to travelling and dental work. I plan to have posts on picking the right travel insurance for your teeth, dealing with a broken tooth when abroad, dental tourism and more. I hope that you find the information that you need and that your next holiday goes well. Now, let's smile together from wherever we are in the world! Happy travels!

Ways to Tackle Your Fear of the Dentist

When you have a fear of going to see your dentist, it's important to understand you're not alone. However, it's equally important to tackle your fear so that you can maintain good oral health. There are techniques you can use before, during, and after your appointment to make life easier.

Understanding Your Fear 

Try to reflect on what caused your fear to start. Did you have a bad experience with a dentist as a child? Or is it the thought of someone using a drill on you? Understanding your fear is an excellent way to unpick it and prevent it from worsening. For example, if you had a bad experience with a dentist, you can discuss it with your current provider. Similarly, knowing more about the use of drills in dentistry may make you worry less about them.

Tactical Appointments

When you're anxious about an event, that anxiety can build over time. As the day of the event arises, you may find that your anxiety increases as the day goes on. You may find that scheduling appointments so they occur early in the day prevents your anxiety from mounting too much. Having less room for your anxiety to build can make the experience more pleasant overall.

Exploring Sedation

Some dentists may offer sedation so that you feel less anxious during your appointment. One option is anxiolytic tablets, which are medications you can take an hour before your appointment. They help you relax, so the experience feels less traumatic. Another is twilight sedation, which isn't always used in dentistry but can prove helpful. It's a form of gas that helps you feel at ease, so you're not focusing too much on what's happening around you. Whether these options are available to you will depend on your dentist and your medical background. 

Reflection Exercises

After visiting your dentist, spend time reflecting on the appointment. You can do this by yourself or with the help of a therapist. Focus on what you were worried about and whether that particular event occurred. You can also hone in on whether the event was as bad as you imagined if it did occur. As a part of your reflection exercises, spend time thinking about what the benefits of seeing a dentist are. A good example is the anxiety cycle. When you let your anxiety overcome you, it makes your dental problems worse and you may then require more invasive treatments.

Overall, you shouldn't let anxiety prevent you from achieving good oral hygiene. Tackling it can benefit your health for years to come.