Help…. Dentist phobia

[Jam291]

Long story short I have a severe phobia of the dentist. I have had 4 pregnancy’s that have all had HG / severe morning sickness that lasted throughout. I do ‘look after’ my teeth as such but they are in such bad condition.
I had a phone call last week to offer me an NHS dentist (been on the waiting list since. 2015)! Obviously I jumped at the chance as it means my two children will have a dentist now to.
Our appointments are tomorrow, I’ve hardly slept the last few nights thinking about this appointment and how I am even going to attend it.
I will force myself to go… for my children’s sake and for how lucky I am to get an NHS dentist.
I don’t even know what I’m scared off, the pain doesn’t bother me, although not pleasant of course but I’m not worried of it.
I think it’s just embarrassment, of showing them my teeth and the state of them. They look ‘fine’ from the front but behind I’m so sure I’m going to need so much work done. Is the dentist going to judge me?
Any words of advice to help.. 💐

Guarantee the dentist will have seen teeth in a way worse condition to what you've got. And they won't judge you, it's their job to fix teeth. Just keep reminding yourself that it's a great thing for the children to have and you might find your teeth aren't as bad as you think they are. Good luck 😊

Thankyou, xx

I'm absolutely in that boat with you. I finally got up the courage to visit a new dentist regularly, mainly to stop that fear passing onto my DD (who at the age of two actually quite enjoys her trips to the dentist)
I'm terrified of every aspect of it but embarrassment definitely takes the cake.
I'm slowly getting over that and my dentist is just so lovely. They'll have seen so so so much worse and honestly they see so much of this stuff that they don't think anything of it! They're there to support you in becoming dentally fit and they'll do that.

I've never once judged a patient who's come through the doors at work. They're people and I do everything I can to help at the time. Then I go get dinner, go home to my family... I don't think about it after. Nor do our dentists. You're one of many patients they'll see tomorrow and not the worst by a LONG shot. You've got this, well done for doing it.

Good for you, honestly it won't be as bad as you expect. I neglected my teeth through my 20's but started going regularly once I could get an nhs dentist, and also, didn't want the same for my DC. I used to be terrified (and was really embarrassed), but now I go regularly, see the hygienist every three months, have almost forgotten the fear I used to have. I have had to have some fairly difficult work done, but I just get on with it now. My dentist is great, I was honest with her, she never judged and is just focused on making sure I have good dental health now.

Good luck!

Thankyou for your replies @Olivia199 @WhatWouldTheDoctorDo .
I feel a bit better about today, trying to process the thought of ‘today is the first step in the right direction’ - taking control of the situation. I’m going to be honest with the dentist and hope she will be ok. It’s just the embarrassment is unreal :(

Thankyou again for taking the time to reply.

I totally understand but this is one fantastic step in the right direction for you AND your DC. Good luck!

So…. I went. It of course wasn’t as bad as what I was expecting. I feel a HUGE weight off my shoulders, thankfully the children’s teeth are fine!
I need to see the hygienist for a clean and potentially a tooth out - which I’m fine with. It’s a huge filled tooth that is years old and I think it’s best just taking it it out (back of mouth).

I am a bit scared of the hygienist appointment but I’ll worry about that when the appointment is closer!

Well done @Jam291 you should be so proud of yourself!!

I also hate the dentist. I just feel panicky. I can't articulate why really. But I feel your pain, I don't sleep in the lead up either.

That's amazing @Jam291 - Huge well done and I'm so glad it wasn't as bad as expected.

Brilliant, well done. Don't worry about the hygienist, you will come out with sparkling clean teeth, and get tips on how to maximise your dental hygiene, it's helpful, honestly!