dental phobia and depression
 

I went to the dentist and i was really nervous.

during the appointment what upset me is when I was told that I dont clean my teeth properly, may be so, it would of been nice to have it said it nicer, if it was possible. I do try my best to clean my teeth and i feel that I have failed and this makes the depression worse. I do use a electric tooth brush.

I am phobic and it took me alot to courage to go. what also upset me is the term "jumping up and down" being used, it felt it was said in a negative manner.

I dont know if I should go back to this dentist coz I do need treatment and I have done it a couple of times going to one appointment and then find another do it all over again.

There was a little moment where I did feel abit comfortable but as I mentioned above, those remarks have turned me off.

My depression is going to go further down if I dont get treatment but how do i feel comfortable getting treatment.

I don't know if this is the right place to put this post.

condescending attitude :-(
 

Hi Bloss,

You are right......... there was probably a nicer more positive way for the dentist to tell you that you need to brush your teeth better. All to often, we speak before we think and our intentions become misunderstood.

Please don't feel like you failed! Alot of people do not brush their teeth very well and it's usually because they have never been shown the proper way to do it. Perhaps you could ask your dentist or hygienst to show you the proper way.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, you need to angle the bristles so they are at a 90 degree angle along the gumline where the tooth meets the gum. Use small circular motions over each tooth front and back to remove the plaque and then straight motions along the biting surfaces. It is important to never brush aggressively as this will cause injury to the gum tissue. Just thorough, consistent cleaning will do the trick! When you floss, make sure to hug the tooth with the floss as you slide it up and down under the gumline. Only go as far under the gum as if feels comfortable and no further.

I'm not sure what you meant by "jumping up and down". Were you doing this while you were in the dental chair? I know that anxiety can cause us to have hypersensitive reactions. However, in the dental chair it is very important to keep our bodies still because most of the instruments are very sharp and the clinician certainly does not want to her you. There are ways to lessen the anxiety. Some people premedicate with meds like valium. Others use homeopathic remedies like Gelsemium, Chamomilla, Arnica montana, and Hypericum. Here is an informational link that talks about the uses of some homeopathies: http://www.icnr.com/had.html

Please don't put off having the dental treatment just because the dentist or staff are insensitive to your feelings. You know that you need to get past this point to feel better, so don't let anyone stop you!!!

Keep us posted on how you are doing! I'm sure you can do this and you will be ok!!!

Bryanna

Hi Bloss http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/greet013.gifand http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/18.gif


Looks like Bryanna gave you some wonderful advise about brushing and dental care.


In case you might be interested... here is a link to our Depression Forum: Depression (click on the blue word...it'll take you right there) You will find a great bunch of caring and supportive people there.

I'm sorry to hear of your problem with the dentist... I hate going to the dentist...severe anxiety.

Please feel free to roam around and join in anywhere.
Hope to see you around the boards.
:)
Abbie

Hi, Bloss! :Wave-Hello: Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Depression is a wicked little serpent and will drag you down at any opportunity, I hope you will seek treatment for it ASAP. When we're in a better emotional state, the rest is much easier to cope with each day. :)