Dental phobia, or the fear of the dentist, can be much more than a fear of actual dental procedures. For those who cannot face dental treatment, it can cause the physical pain of bad teeth, the loss of confidence involved in poor hygiene and, eventually, the inability to smile with confidence.
Up to four out of five people admit to having a fear of the dentist, with as many as one in seven people never undergoing any dental treatment at all.
Dental phobia, or a fear of the dentist and dental procedures can be due to:
- Bad experiences in the past
- Dentists being portrayed in a bad light in the media
- The waiting room, where sounds of other people's dental work can be heard
- Family and friends insensitively making remarks about their past bad experiences
- A fear of being judged by the dentist for neglecting teeth
- A fear of lack of control while the dental procedures are being performed
Of course, dental visits can be uncomfortable but there are plenty of worse things and people with dental phobia often freely admit their fear is irrational. Knowing it is irrational though, does not help. The emotional response is much more powerful than mere thought and hypnotherapy is an amazingly effective way of changing that response.
Despite being so powerful and distressing, dental phobias are easy to treat with hypnotherapy and, the great thing is, the cure is a completely pleasant and even enjoyable. Quite simply, it removes the fear and anxiety from your subconscious mind so visits to the dentist will become routine and stress-free.
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation which feels like day-dreaming. With the guidance of a therapist, it enables you to make incredible changes to beliefs or behaviour embedded deep in the subconscious mind. Contrary to some popular views, you remain alert, in control and aware of everything around you. It is possible to move, talk and come out of hypnosis at any time.
Conditions treatable with hypnotherapy include:
TMJ Bruxism
Hypersensitive gag reflex
Dental fear associated with a previously traumatic experience
Needle phobia
White coat phobia (fear of dentists/doctors)
Alteration of pain awareness (in conjunction with conventional anaesthesia)
Control of salivation
Vascular control, clotting and normal healing
Flossing and oral hygiene
Often, just two hour-long sessions are enough to remove any fear or distress. Once you are calm and relaxed, your dentist can work more efficiently and effectively to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and free of decay, disease and infection.
For more information, go to www.hypnotherapykent.co.uk.
