very scared of the dentist.... terrible toothache...have to go .... oh bum! Moral support needed!

[mrspink27]

So i have had a toothache for a few days, absolutely petrified, to the point that i am sitting here almost crying and shaking like a leaf. DH cant come home from work, mum too far away and inlaws will be in charge of dd2. Appointment is at 2.15 and I know its going to be horrific....
how do i stay calm?????

Not sure I can help much, except to let you know you're not alone in your fears. I'm petrified of the dentist too. Does it sound too weird to recommend concentrating on breathing through your nose? I used to panic so much I used to try to breathe through my mouth as soon as I opened it, and it took a kindly dentist to point this out (just a few years ago, and I'm 40 now) - it's really helped me. Sorry if it seems facile - just hope it all goes well, and they can sort the pain out for you.

thanks will try that... i drew blood on dh's hand a couple of years ago i was holding it so tight!

Another dentist phobe here. I always found it ok until a dentist did a not-very-good job which has really got to me. Many sympathies.

ex phobe here - just tell yourself it's not as bad as labour!!

Was thinking of you MrsPink27 - how did it go?

I would rather have been in labour TBH! I am going to have to have a root canal done, and the filling he put in has made the whole tooth much more painful and sensitive to heat and cold, was shaking so much i couldnt put my glasses back on. Pathetic really, it remains to be seen whether i return or grin and bear the pain as it is now.

don't wimp out of getting it done otherwise you may end up with an abcess under the tooth which is awful.

I found it really helped to try and do the breathing techniques that I learned for labour - you know - in through the nose - hold it, out through the mouth - slow and controlled. Really gave me something to concentrate on.

Presumably they will give you an injection (honestly I was amazed by how little I felt it - bad memories form having them as a teenager) - that will help.

Good luck - you will so proud of yourself when you get out the other side - conquering your fear and having a mended tooth