Seeker

What is it about visiting the dentist that is so hard? I can think of a few reasons - but you probably can provide those yourself. Fear of dentists is common. It would be an exaggeration to say I have full-blown dentophobia. I do see the dentist regularly and for the last few years have been blessed with a dentist in whom I have confidence. I would even go so far as to say I like him. Sadly he is leaving the practice so my recent appointment was the last time he will look in my mouth. I will remember that last appointment for the comment he made while trying to explore a hard to reach area. He told me (kindly) that my bottom lip has an exceptionally strong defence reflex. Apparently everyone's lips have a defence reflex, but most are not as strong as mine. Mmmm.. add that to the collection, which includes the dentist from my childhood who told my mother and me  that I had 'abnormal tongue behaviour' which he considered to be 'incurable beyond the age of 12'. I

What is it about a dental appointment that makes me so anxious? After the event, nothing at all.  I had a check-up today. No treatment needed. Next check-up in 6 months, so I can relax till November. The problem is in the anticipation, especially in the waiting room. My fear started in childhood with a dentist who told me that my tongue was too big for my mouth and told my mother that I had "abnormal tongue behaviour" which in his opinion was incurable beyond the age of 12. I was 12 then. I am now very far beyond the age of 12. I still don't know what he meant, but then he never explained anything. That was part of my problem with him, along with that dreadful noisy drill. My current dentist is kind, efficient, swift and explains what he is planning to do before he does it. So I really don't need to be scared, even though my teeth are far from perfect and don't merit this description: " Your teeth are like a flock of ewes, that have come up from t