I Don’t Like Going to the Dentist

Patient: Hey Doc, a got a real funny joke for you….what is the best time for a patient to visit a dentist?…tooth-hurty! Bua hua huaaaaaa

Dentist: oh yeah, never heard that one before – reeeall funny (breaks smallest of smiles)

Dentist: genuine thoughts – please please, Saint Apollonia (The Patron Saint of Dentistry) , no more patients giving my funny Dental jokes today!

But as Dentist we do have jokes, and tell them too…yes we do – what jokes do we tell? Dentist (not Dental) jokes. So here’s a “Dentists’ Joke” …. I decided to get in shape, this morning I ran around the block – twice!, then I picked it up and put it back in the toy box where it belongs!…not gonna do that again.

So what does this have to do with anything? – You’ve heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine”?, well it truly is and it is a good medicine to get over the “I don’t like going to the Dentist” blues.

The renowned Mayo Clinic has an article about the therapeutic effects of laughter, that has been proven time and time again https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456

So you dont like going to the Dentist – neither do I! …and I’m a dentist. Here are a few things you can do to help making that appointment just a little easier: Find a Dental home that’s just “pretty cool” If your Dentist has a sense of humour that’s a plus! He or she at bare minimum should at least be able to identify with you “as a human” – trust me it helps – as we say, they should be able to give you a good joke on a bad day and vice vera – it really does make that dental appointment much easier. Their compassion should be genuine

Listen to your favourite music: in the car, on your way to your appointment, and why not take those head phones or pods and plug them in while in the chair – drown out the sound of the drill and listen to some good vibing tunes…preferably not something you will be dancing to 😊 American Psychological Association indicates that “Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol”
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/music

Ever wondered why many offices have music overhead? Not only does it drown out the sound of the “drill” it is a calming agent and a distractor.

Another thing to help decrease those Dental stresses – find an office that takes time to educate and explain, and preferably not in those hifalutin dental jargon terms – that way you will at least have an idea of the “road ahead”. Familiarizing yourself with the procedure/s may help. Showing models and pictures may help – I get it, some people just don’t want to know, no worries, but just them offering to explain may just make you feel they know the importance of making sure everyone is on the same path.

Aromatherapy is a big one, some say it works some say…..not so sure. WebMd has a good read on effects of aromatherapy and reducing stress. I have patients in our practice that rely on even the type of perfume they wear that day, they say it makes them feel good about themselves and helps with their stress.

https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview

and lastly, always listen to Mommy, she’s always right! – get a good night sleep – this helps!.

Sleep and mood are closely connected; poor or inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine educates on the relation of inadequate sleep, mood, irritability and stress.

Try some of these things it could make your next dental appointment much easier, maybe even fun – then you wont have to rely on – Hey Doc, got a Dental joke for you – what award did the dentist win – a little plaque (eye rolling).