Dental Anxiety: How to Overcome Fear of the Dentist

Looking after your teeth matters. You only get one adult set, and dental problems tend to get more involved (and more costly) the longer they are left. Yet for a lot of people, the idea of sitting in the chair is enough to put the whole thing off.

That worry is common. Having someone examine your mouth up close, uncertainty about what a procedure will feel like, or a sense of being judged about the state of your teeth can all make an appointment feel daunting. If any of that sounds familiar, you are in good company, and it does not have to keep you from getting the care you need.

Across our North Queensland clinics we see people from every walk of life who feel this way, from James Cook University students in Townsville to families settling into the Bohle Plains and Kalynda estates, to farming families out around Ingham and Innisfail. Nerves do not discriminate, and neither does good care.

Before your visit

A lot of anxiety comes from anticipating things we feel we cannot control, so a good first step is to take some of that control back.

• Brush twice or three times a day, floss once daily, and add a mouthwash if you like the extra freshness. Arriving with a well-cared-for mouth can quietly ease the worry that you will be judged.
• Try to pin down exactly what unsettles you. Is it the sounds of the surgery? Bring headphones and some music to soften the background noise, keeping the volume low enough to still hear your name called.
• If it is general nerves, a simple breathing exercise can help. Box breathing, breathing in for four counts, holding for four, breathing out for four and holding for four, gives your body something steady to focus on.

If you are worried about discomfort, it is worth knowing that modern dentistry has come a long way. Our team is trained to keep treatment as comfortable as possible, and where treatment beyond a routine check-up is needed, options such as numbing gel before any injection can make a real difference. If cost is part of what is holding you back, that is worth raising too. Fees vary depending on what you need, we can talk you through a quote, and health-fund rebates can often be claimed on the spot through HICAPS.

During your visit

The single most helpful thing you can do is tell your dentist you are feeling anxious before the check-up starts. Our clinicians see many patients every week and are very used to nerves, so there is no need to feel awkward about it.

When you let us know, we can work with you: explaining what is happening step by step, agreeing on a signal to pause if you need a break, and taking things at a pace that suits you. You are always in charge of what happens next.

After your visit

First, give yourself credit. You turned up and did something that felt hard, and your teeth are healthier for it. Getting seen regularly also means any developing issues can be picked up early, while they are simpler to manage.

Then do something that helps you unwind, whether that is a short walk to clear your head, a quiet evening in front of something light-hearted, or a small reward you enjoy. Just remember to clean your teeth properly afterwards.

Helping children start on the right foot

If your own nerves grew out of childhood experiences, you can help the next generation avoid the same path. Introducing children to the dentist early, in a calm and friendly setting, helps them see visits as a normal, unremarkable part of life rather than something to fear. Positive early experiences tend to carry into adulthood.

We are here when you are ready

You do not have to push through dental anxiety alone. When you feel ready, book a check-up at your nearest My Family Dental clinic in Kalynda/Bohle Plains, Kirwan, Bowen, Emerald, Ingham or Innisfail, and let us know beforehand that you are feeling nervous so we can make the visit as comfortable as possible. You are welcome to call your nearest clinic or get in touch through our contact page to arrange a time that works for you.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified dental professional. Please speak with your dentist about your individual circumstances.