I have my first dentist appointment coming up and I'm kinda nervous...like what if I freak out or panic when they're poking around in my mouth? Has anyone else felt this way, how'd you handle it?
Totally get you—I felt the exact same way before my first appointment. Honestly, it's pretty common to feel uneasy about someone poking around your mouth. What helped me was telling the dentist upfront that I was nervous. They were super understanding and explained each step as they went along, which made things less intimidating. Also, focusing on slow, steady breathing really helped keep panic at bay. You've got this...it's usually way less scary than we imagine.
I get what you're saying, but honestly, sometimes knowing every step actually makes me more anxious. Like, when the dentist starts explaining exactly what's happening next, my brain goes into overdrive imagining worst-case scenarios. Weirdly enough, I found that zoning out with headphones and music helps me way more than breathing exercises or explanations. Maybe it's just me, but sometimes less info is better...anyone else feel this way?