Avoid the Dentist??!!??!!

[MikesHAPPYwife]

So, recently I had a dentist appoint and was a no show. My hubby couldnt understand why and thinks I am crazy.It was because I am so ashamed of my face because its so hairy. I can control it enough to go in public but not enough to have someone staring that close to my face with a light shining right on it. I told my mom about it and she thinks I am crazy too. I am hoping that I am not the only one who is avoiding the dentist. Dont get me wrong my teeth are clean, etc I went about 8 months ago as we get free cleanings every 6 mons. with insurance. I will go back just wondering if I am the only paronoid one out there. Please tell me I am not!!!

[strongernow]

I also worried about that when I started getting my symptoms and since I have had and still need a lot of dental work done..but they see everything just like regular doctors and dont care..plus I am sure we always think things look worse then they really do on ourselves..

[skooterc]

Hey- I sure hope I can ease your pain with this. I am a dental hygienist and to be honest, I never think of looking at someone's face or the hair that may/may not be there. With the instrumentation that is used (sharp edges and such), I seem to focus on just the teeth. And I can say that I have been a hygienist for 10 years and I don't think I have ever noticed hair or no hair on someone. I've told someone before that I work in an area the size of a teacup and you really have to keep your eyes on the teeth and tissue.
I sure hope this helps and please reschedule your appointment.

[patriciacontos]

Hello,

I am a dental hygienist as well and I agree with christy. Christy is it slow at your office. Economy is so bad in michigan right now. I am working part time right now. I am having a difficult time finding another office to work at.

[skooterc]

Patricia-
Hey!!!!! Gee, I kind of wish it were a little slow!!!! I work for a Dentist that has been in practice for well over 30 years and has a very well known establishment. We have 3 hygienists (1 DR.) and stay pretty busy!
Best of luck to you in finding another job.
Keep in touch!!

[Eva37]

hi

I always think about them 'seeing' at the dentist. Same reason why I dont like the optician either............ so glad to know I am not the only one who feels this way. btw - I do go to them regularly.

Eva

[MikesHAPPYwife]

I will get over it and of course I will reschedule. I dont want to be hairy and have bad teeth as well. I think I was just having a moment that day.

If you need a job as a dental hygienist you should check out some small towns. Here we only have one dentist in a 30 min. radious. He always is so busy and its hard to get an appointment thats why hubby was so mad I was a no show. We always joke around about how much money our teeth and eye dr's make because they have no competition.

[missdoodle_bug]

I have the exact same issue. I know it's funny but I try to pull that "bib" up under my chin as far as I can so that it covers as much hair as possible. I also know that the tech who does my teeth has been there for years so I try not to be embarassed. I did have some teeth filled and a man did that, I was so embarassed, but it has to be done.

I know I'm not the only one with a hair issue so I just tell myself that they've seen it before.

[tiggerlily5278]

I recently had to go to the dentist, and have to go back for fillings. I have a fear of dental work due to some bad experiences the last few times. But, the facial hair issue also came up in my mind. I shave everyday and I hate to have someone so close. I thought that they'd see where I shave (and maybe they did?) but I don't really care. I mean, I'm there to get my teeth done. Even if they did see it, they wouldn't say anything about it and they've probably seen it before.

[Sari]

I have this problem too. I need a lot of dental work done but have phobias about going - the hair issue, jaw problems, bad gag reflex, etc. Plus 2 dentists when I was a child either lied to me or threatened to spank me if I didn't sit still. It sounds dumb I know, but it still affects me. I'm actually embarrassed to admit that.

[joyblack]

I shave everyday and I hate to have someone so close. I thought that they'd see where I shave (and maybe they did?) but I don't really care. I mean, I'm there to get my teeth done. Even if they did see it, they wouldn't say anything about it and they've probably seen it before.

You can rest assured that a fair proportion of their female patients shave.

[Jen K]

Hi there,

I do not have any excess facial hair, but I thought that I'd toss my two cents in...

I can totally understand that you'd feel self-conscious about facial hair when you're at the dentist, but, what I would do, is talk to them beforehand. Maybe if you explained the situation and let them know that you were really nervous because of this (worrying that they'll notice and what they will think, etc.). My guess is that they'd be completely understanding and would assure you that they will not think anything negative about you. They are professionals and have professional integrity - they will handle your concerns with care and understanding. I've always found that in this type of situation, if you just have a quick word with the person ahead of time, a lot of the anxiety is alleviated.

Jen K

[MikesHAPPYwife]

So, i made my appointment and will be going to the Dentist to get it done. I am sure that all will be okay. I hope my noon shadow will not cut a hole in their plastic gloves.

While I am at it..i dont like getting my hair cut either because they always put their hand under your chin to move your face and I know they can feel my hair. Its grows faster than I can get rid of it and I am only 26!!

[virgomegirl]

Hey MWH!

I know what you are going through. I avoided the dentist for 10 years because of facial hair. Now I am paying the price. I had to go to the dentist once a week for a month to have fillings done. What I didn't realize is that they put the bib on you and some plastic thing over your mouth that covers from your below your nose and down. That dentist wasnt going to see anything I had on my face. Here I was ready to go ask my doc for some anxiety medication so that I wouldn't worry about it so much. It all worked out now!

**FYI** If you are going to hide from the dentist like I did...make sure you floss every single day!!

Good Luck!

[Lfgd20]

I went and it wasn't too horrible...promise!!

I hate it when people touch my face, like patting me on the cheek...it really bothers me cause I KNOW they can feel the hair.