How to Help Your Spouse Get Over a Fear of the Dentist


1. Make it Easier on Your Spouse

If you can make the appointment, schedule time off, and even drive your spouse to the dentist, then you will get rid of some of the roadblocks. By getting rid of excuses, your spouse won't be able to put off their dental health any longer. Sometimes the anticipation and planning is the worst part. If you can handle the planning for them, your spouse will be more likely to keep their appointment.

2. Quell Their Fears with Facts

Sometimes people have misperceptions about the dentist or don't understand the strides that have been made in dental healthcare. Make sure to do research with your husband or wife about new pain management techniques. Dental techniques such as topical anesthetics and laser drills have come a long way to make the dental procedures more comfortable. If you can bring home information from your appointment, this can help as well.

3. Talk with Your Spouse about Their Worries

Rather than taking a tough love approach, try to get to the bottom of your spouse's dental fears. Rather than getting angry or accusing them of putting things off, ask them why they have an aversion to the dentist. They might also want to have an initial appointment with the dentist if it has been a while, but not to do any procedures on the teeth. This way the dentist can go over what they can do to make cleanings and exams easier to deal with in a nonthreatening situation.

4. Make a Deal

If you can bargain with your spouse about going to the dentist, the light at the end of the tunnel just might make a visit worth it. If there is something that you can do for your spouse, such as plan a trip or purchase something for the home, this might motivate them to get over their fears. The hope is once they make it back for a visit, they will realize how simple and positive seeing the dentist can be and will keep future appointments.

Sometimes your spouse might be full of excuses as to why they don't want to go to the dentist. If you know this is stemming from fear, try to have a more sensitive approach to get your wife or husband in to see the dentist. This isn't the time to get frustrated or angry with your spouse. Be as supportive as possible so that their dental health isn't put in jeopardy. For more ideas or to make an appointment, contact an establishment like Tony Parsley, DMD.