To wonder where your gaze should go at the dentist

[Wonderland18]

When I was little I used to look at the reflection in the dentists goggles, as I got older I realised that was awkward (who the fuck wants someone creepy staring at or around their eyes)
I started staring at the light but that felt awkward too.
Now I’ve settled on shutting my eyes the full time.

It’s so strange but it’s something I’ve clearly overthought. Where is appropriate to gaze? Is shutting your eyes the safest? Imagine how creepy you’d look staring up at the dentists face?

Is there even a right answer? Where does everyone look?

I think I close my eyes - they give you those sunglass things and I can't see much without my actual glasses anyway. The last few times I've had a double appointment with my DS so I've mostly been looking round the (dishy) dentists head to make sure LO isn't up to mischief.

I look at a mural they have on the ceiling. Or just gaze middle distance.

Except when I used to go to Duncan Smith in Musselburgh. Then I simply gazed adoringly at him, because he was the best dentist in the world, and just a lovely man. He also did the best veneers I ever had. He probably knew I loved him, just like all his patients did (and presumably still do).

I've considered moving back to Scotland just for him to be my dentist again. Not seen him since 2002, but the memory lives on

My patients get sunglasses to wear so I cant see them staring at me
It’s odd when people stare into my eyes for 20 minutes

I used to have a really - and I mean REALLY REALLY - gorgeous Brazilian dentist who was definitely worth gazing at. I've never met such a beautiful man. He moved to France with his model wife, sadly, so now I close my eyes or look at the ceiling.

I’m a dentist. I have no idea where people look, I’ve never noticed! Firstly they are wearing safety glasses, often sunglasses.
I am wearing loupes so magnification. I can’t focus anywhere but the mouth!
Even when I check extra orally I’m looking at the neck etc, not the eyes.

The past few dentists I’ve seen have used clear goggles, I reckon sunglasses would make so much difference.

I’m glad I’m not the only person who is too awkward to know where to look 😂

As a dentist - have you you ever dislocated a patients jaw?

No.

At least not yet! Some people pop out quite easily apparently

Yes. Yes it does...

No

I look at the lights on the ceiling I think

@pancaketits and @Dontsayyouloveme I am crying with laughter at you both 😂😂

Mine has a tv on the ceiling with subtitles, it really helps with my anxiety as I can focus on that instead of what he's doing to me :)

I shut my eyes the entire time, no way would I look.

My dentist used to have a Where’s Wally poster. Never did find him.

This is hilarious! I've honestly never thought about it being awkward staring at my dentist, but having said that I generally look at the ceiling or if he's got the light right in my face I'll close my eyes!

My dentist has a huge map of the world on the ceiling, it has been there for over 30 years. I do one of two things, look at how many boundaries and countries have changed in that time or plan holidays I am never going to take! I love the map :)

I always shut my eyes and go to my happy place, trying desperately not to think about what the dentist is up to

I shut my eyes.

Careful looking at the light

m.youtube.com/watch?v=TTUQyEr-sg0

To the back of your eyelids

Ceiling! Even if the dentist's leaning right into your face you still look through them and at the ceiling.

And don't mouth breathe