Top 10: How have you overcome your fears about visiting the dentist?
Students share their top phobias about dental visits, from strange sounds to bitter medicines, and reveal coping strategies.
From the fear of dental tools to the anxiety of the bill, Hong Kong students share their biggest dental phobias and how they cope. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What has been your favourite slang expression to use this past year?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 12pm on December 18. Tell us your name, age and school.
Chow Yi-ching, 13, King Ling College: Removing decayed teeth is the scariest thing in the world. I think about lying on the dentist’s chair, as those dazzling lights shine directly on me, making me uneasy, nervous, and scared. The dentist pulls out my tooth, which will never grow again, leaving a hole in my mouth. Just imagine that when you smile, you show your teeth, and others see you have a hole in your mouth due to tooth decay. Would you be happy? To avoid letting my nightmare come true, I brush my teeth and use mouthwash daily to keep my teeth clean.
Sofia Lau Cheuk-ying, 12, Pope Paul VI College: When I go to get my teeth checked, I fear the dentist’s tools most because they often make sounds that scare me. If I have to overcome it, I will ask my friends to accompany me because their presence can make me feel relaxed.
Bobo Chan Ka-po, 15, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College: Visiting the dentist can evoke significant anxiety for me and many individuals, primarily due to a variety of fears. My biggest concern about visiting the dentist is the fear of pain. When I went to the orthodontist, he put on invisible braces, making me feel sore. It was because of the pressure exerted by the braces on the teeth, and the teeth were adapting to the new positioning of the braces. These painful experiences resulted in a conditioned fear response at future appointments. The dental room usually has a television which broadcasts some music. I listen to it and use stress balls during the procedure, diverting my attention away from the dental work and overcoming the fear of pain.
Innovative toothbrush ideas to combat tooth decay and gum disease
Michael Ma Cheuk-yin, 16, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School: My biggest fear of going to the dentist is the bill that comes after. To overcome this fear, I will get a job with dental insurance. If I cannot get a job with dental insurance, I will unionise with my fellow employees to get dental insurance.
Jayson Har Chun-hei, 14, Christ College: My biggest fear about visiting the dentist is eating the bitter medicine. After I had experienced it a few times, I learned to swallow fast with water to avoid the terrible taste.
Mavis Yip Tsz-wai, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: My biggest fear about visiting the dentist is hearing the strange sounds and the uneasy feeling of the dental tools moving inside my mouth. The sound of the dental tools makes me feel apprehensive. The sensation of the dental tools vibrating against my teeth, unable to speak freely or swallow my saliva, intensifies my unease. To overcome these fears, I tell the dentist about my uneasiness so they can comprehend my feelings and ensure I am as comfortable as possible. Furthermore, I distract myself from the sound of the dental tool by imagining a peaceful scenario and focusing on it.
Bonnie Po Long-ying, 13, St Paul’s Convent School: Many others may think that the scariest part about visiting the dentist is having your teeth removed or seeing the “weapons” on the dentist’s desk. My biggest fear is opening my mouth to show my teeth to the dentist. What if she judges and scolds me for not caring for my teeth properly? To overcome that, I’d practise breathing before going to the dentist’s to calm my nerves and ignore any sounds I hear.
Cheng Man-hei, 12, Pui Kiu College: I used to be scared of the unknown at the dentist. The spiky metal tools lying around made me scared. The first time I visited the dentist, he placed metal tools in my mouth. I felt super, super, super anxious. After that, I was scared of the new things I might see at the dentist. That was until I met this fantastic dentist who taught me why keeping our teeth clean is essential. He also gave me some candy. I felt happy and didn’t mind the metal things entering my mouth any more.
Mandy Hung Ka-man, 16, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: My biggest fear when visiting a dentist is lying on the lounge chair and opening my mouth. This action signals to the dentist that I am ready to check my oral hygiene, but I am really nervous. The unknown elements, like various dental tools and the sound of scaling, make me feel intimidated. I overcome this fear by closing my eyes. I feel less scared and anxious about the experience if I don’t see anything.
Anson Ng Wai-yan, 13, St Mary’s Canossian College: One of my biggest fears about visiting the dentist is having a tooth extraction. The mere thought of the dentist shaking my tooth vigorously is nerve-racking. I remember the moment when the dentist used a sharp pair of pliers to pull my tooth out, which produced a deafening sound. The pain was indeed overwhelming. In those moments, I raise my hand to indicate the pain, and my dentist gives me a kitten plushie to hold, which sweetens the experience.
This question is sponsored by the Oral Health Promotion Division, which aims at promoting oral health to the public and facilitating the proper use of oral healthcare services.