The Dreaded Pokey-Man aka Your Dentist

 

Image found at the Decadent Grace Blog

 Recently, the Sadly Normal blog featured an article published by the Sidran Institute entitled “Dental Tips for Survivors.”  This article explores the connection between childhood sexual abuse and anxiety associated with dental visits.  According to the article, parallels between dental visits and the experience of childhood abuse include:

1. Being alone with a the dentist, who is often a male, in a situation where this person is more powerful than oneself;
2. The experience of being made to remain in a submissive, horizontal position;
3. Being touched (with no say in how or when or how);
4. Having foreign objects put into one’s mouth;
5. Being unable to swallow; and
6. Anticipating pain or actually experiencing pain.

I totally get this.  I despise going to the dentist.  When I was about 11 and had only 1 baby tooth left, my dentist pulled it without telling me what was going on.  I felt like he took the last part of me that was physically a child (since my virginity had already been ripped out of me).  The horizontal position with someone hovering and shoving things into my mouth in a painful manner does affect me.  I often zone out during dental visits, practicing my ability to be “out of body” in order to stay calm and withstand the experience.  On top of that, there are so many strong smells, and this can set me off at times.  Especially when paired with having my mouth violated–even if it is “legally” and by my own pre-decision. 

I suppose it goes without saying that survivors that have issues with the dentist probably have issues with the gynecologist.  I haven’t had my yearly since 2001 when I miscarried.  Now that I’m moving in on my 33rd birthday, I’m going to really have to suck it up and go. 

Or do I?
 

~ by silvernightchild on August 20, 2007.