Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a productive week. I wanted to take some time today to raise awareness on an issue I think is relative to many, if not all of us at some point in our lives. However, for many this issue can be hard to open-up about and therefore feeds on itself.
‘Anxiety.’
We use this word a lot to describe how we suffer in certain situations or feel towards something, and it’s often the first word many voice when asked about ‘the dentist’. Whether it’s due to a previous bad experience, a self-consciousness of one’s teeth, or just a potential fear of the unknown, it’s a condition that dental practices simply must understand in order to deliver a positive patient journey.
I wanted to share a personal experience of my own which has given me a very real and empathetic understanding of this condition which can be so debilitating and restricting. A number of years ago I was involved in a serious car accident which left me with crippling post-traumatic stress. Whilst time is a great healer, I still struggle as a passenger and in difficult driving conditions, and although I of course wish this event had never occurred, the experience helps me significantly in my daily work life.
I realise that many of our patients are going through the same feeling of suffering. When it comes to your smile, we understand that you can feel caught in a trap. On one hand anxious about visiting the dentist, whilst on the other, anxious about how your smile looks to us and to the outside world. You’re held back by one anxiety that is stopping you from addressing the other. Many of our patients tell me they avoid going to events & parties and often cancel dates. They often struggle at work and even just being out in public as they feel so uncomfortable with what other people think when they smile or open their mouth.
It’s so important to the team and I here at Superior Smiles that all our patients feel comfortable opening up to us about how they feel about their teeth and the emotional impact they have on their lives. We understand the first step is always the hardest but when you walk through our door, we don’t just take your coat, we take your individual circumstances and tailor an experience that you’re comfortable to be yourself in. We will never judge you or your experience however big or small it may seem to you. Experiences matter. We want you to have nothing but the best experience with us.
So, let me ask you…
How many of you can laugh without covering your mouth with your hand?
How many times do you dread having your photo taken because of that toothy smile?
How many times do you avoid smiling because you fear people will think you are dirty because of your teeth?
How many times do you consider booking an appointment but put it off because you’re worried that we will judge you?
If you can relate to any of the above, rest assured that we are here to offer our help.
Rachel x
