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If you have already had a previously negative experience at the dentist, it can be very difficult to overcome those fears

  • Seems obvious, but let your dentist know about your fears

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  • Have a chat away from the dental chair (find a "neutral" room in the dental practice where you can talk)

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  • Agree on a stop signal 

    • most people opt for the hand raise or thumbs up​

    • practice using these signals during an exam so that way you know the dentist can check on you without having to speak 

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  • Bring a friend 

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  • Bring a blanket or comforting object 

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  • Wear clothing you are comfortable in 

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  • Listen to music or watch TV 

    • more and more dentist offer the choice to turn music on or off or even provide a TV on the ceiling ​

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  • Ask your dentist questions about the procedure in case knowing brings you comfort 

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  • Don't be afraid to take a break during a procedure 

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  • Hold the suction tube 

    • for some people it helps for them to know that at any time during the procedure they can do their own suction when they feel like they need it ​

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  • Celebrate! 

    • have a treat lined up as a reward ​

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Image by Jacqueline Munguía

The Dreaded Chair

Do you absolutely hate that feeling when the chair goes back? You’re not alone – it makes many people feel vulnerable and exposed.

 

Here’s a tip: ask if you can stay sitting up while the chair is reclined into the position the dentist wants it. Once the chair is in its final position, you can then take all the time you need to lie back and get comfortable. This avoids the horrible loss of control feeling you get when the chair goes back.

 

Alternatively, ask your dentist if you can operate the button that makes the chair move back. That way, you can move it back gradually at your own pace.

Dentist Chair

Tips to Prevent Gag Reflex in the Chair 

Image by Quang Tri NGUYEN
Image by Ocean Ng

  • Always breath through your nose 

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  • Tell your dentist that you may gag during treatment to work out strategies 

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  • Use a numbing spray 

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  • Try a decongestant spray if you have trouble breathing through your nose

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  • Distraction (music + headphones)

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  • The leg trick 

    • point your toes and raise your legs from the chair slightly ​

    • helps distract/ change focus 

    • you can ask your dentist to tell you to do a random series of tasks, like flex your hands, to keep you distracted 

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  • Change time of day 

    • some people gag more in the morning (like when the brush their teeth) compared to afternoon​

    • schedule appointments when you feel less likely to gag 

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Do you still have questions? Contact us and we will try to help!

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