H.O.M. (hand over mouth) technique

[Susanne]

I firmly believe that had I not been traumatized by a cruel dentist as a child, I would not have a dental phobia today. I remember feeling panicked and afraid any time we happened to drive by the building where his office was. My mother even had to resort to trickery to get me in the door there.

There are many things that I remember about his office that I hated, including that he did not allow parents in the room with their children. One thing that stands out most in my mind is when I had to have a filling at age 5. I only remember being given a topical anesthetic, which didn't sufficiently numb me. He then said he was going to use the "motorboat" (aka handpiece/drill) on my tooth, to which I replied as a wise-beyond-her-years 5-year-old, "That's not a motorboat, it's a drill!"

I then was told by the dentist that if it hurt, I should raise my hand for him to stop. It did hurt, but when I raised my hand, he wouldn't stop and kept drilling. I already was frightened and did not have my mother there to comfort me. Add to that the pain from the drilling and insufficient numbing and I became very upset. I began crying and begging for my mother to come back there. Instead of calling my mother back to comfort me or trying to gently calm me down, my dentist became enraged and yelled at me. Clamped his hand down quite firmly over my nose and mouth -- which made me feel as though I were suffocating-- and angrily told me if I did not be quiet and stop crying, he was going to pull my tooth out.

More than 30 years later and I can still remember that day and the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped and not being able to breathe with a very angry dentist looming over me. After doing some research on the internet, I discovered that there used to be a practice for upset pediatric patients known as the Hand-Over-Mouth (H.O.M.) exercise or technique and that some dentists -- mine included -- would also cover the patient's nose, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Do any other dental phobics out there ever remember being on the receiving end of such a practice? Does it make sense that I am still traumatized by that after so many years? I'm reminded of that every time I set foot in a dentist's office even though I know the dentists today are kind and compassionate. I hate it and wish that I wasn't so scared! ?

 

[Scared all the time]

I firmly believe that had I not been traumatized by a cruel dentist as a child, I would not have a dental phobia today. I remember feeling panicked and afraid any time we happened to drive by the building where his office was. My mother even had to resort to trickery to get me in the door there.

There are many things that I remember about his office that I hated, including that he did not allow parents in the room with their children. One thing that stands out most in my mind is when I had to have a filling at age 5. I only remember being given a topical anesthetic, which didn't sufficiently numb me. He then said he was going to use the "motorboat" (aka handpiece/drill) on my tooth, to which I replied as a wise-beyond-her-years 5-year-old, "That's not a motorboat, it's a drill!"

I then was told by the dentist that if it hurt, I should raise my hand for him to stop. It did hurt, but when I raised my hand, he wouldn't stop and kept drilling. I already was frightened and did not have my mother there to comfort me. Add to that the pain from the drilling and insufficient numbing and I became very upset. I began crying and begging for my mother to come back there. Instead of calling my mother back to comfort me or trying to gently calm me down, my dentist became enraged and yelled at me. Clamped his hand down quite firmly over my nose and mouth -- which made me feel as though I were suffocating-- and angrily told me if I did not be quiet and stop crying, he was going to pull my tooth out.

More than 30 years later and I can still remember that day and the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped and not being able to breathe with a very angry dentist looming over me. After doing some research on the internet, I discovered that there used to be a practice for upset pediatric patients known as the Hand-Over-Mouth (H.O.M.) exercise or technique and that some dentists -- mine included -- would also cover the patient's nose, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Do any other dental phobics out there ever remember being on the receiving end of such a practice? Does it make sense that I am still traumatized by that after so many years? I'm reminded of that every time I set foot in a dentist's office even though I know the dentists today are kind and compassionate. I hate it and wish that I wasn't so scared! ?

Wow so sorry to hear of you horrible dental experience. NO ONE shoulder ever have to endure that...especially a child. How awful ?. Huge hugs

 

[kitkat]

It sounds like you are experiencing PTSD and rightfully so. Also, you are probably correct that if you had more positive experiences early on, you would not have this fear. I feel like the majority of kids today are no longer afraid of the dentist thanks to new behavioral approaches, modern technology, and an increased focus on prevention. It is not surprising to me that you remain affected by that trauma after so many years. The only way to really overcome this issue is to develop a strong relationship of trust with a dentist. I wonder if working with a female dentist would help things just to add some contrast to your childhood experiences.

 

[Bluelightning_03]

Nothing a lawsuit wouldn't fix, the problem is proving it. My mother had a dentist slap her when she was about 5 she tells me.

 

[Susanne]

Nothing a lawsuit wouldn't fix, the problem is proving it. My mother had a dentist slap her when she was about 5 she tells me.

It's been too long and the dentist in question passed away several years ago. He would be in his late 90s now.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Susanne,

I'm so sorry for the experience you went through as a child and no doubt it is traumatizing and scary beyond words. I had a simliar type dentist. I don't know he used exact methold but.. he would not let my mom or dad in room after he spoke quick to them.. they would bring me back, tell him to do what it takes. then would leave me.. He used no anesthtic just laughing gas to do fillings and it hurt very bad, I remember crying and wanting to get away fighing , he would yell at me and have the nurses hold the nitrous thing over my nose and hold my arms, after a while I just stopped fighting, I believe I dissociated. I hated going there and really when I was 15 -16 wa the last time, I fought back and bit him.. well not proud of this but it was a survival response. He went and got my parents did not finishand told them I was not allowed back.. After him and another awful orthodontist.. I avoided for years.. My first dentist I went to as a young adult years after all this that I trusted was a female who was very gentle and "friend " like.. very compassionate. I think it did help to change some of the factors with environment and personality and such. it made me more at ease. I really hope that you can find yourself a very kind and compassionate dentist to show you the patience , kindness and gentleness you deserve as a patient! As of now I've had several, that have been good and one exceptional one that really brought alot of healing !

 

[comfortdentist]

I will say most phobic adults began from childhood experiences

 

[letsconnect]

@comfortdentist, here are some of the recent polls on our forum on this topic (the first one was started by you I think ):

What type of anxious patient are you?

How old were you when your phobia started?

 

[Gordon]

It's been a while since I did my Master's thesis with dental phobia being part of it, but most of the research suggests that there's an underlying tendency towards extreme nervousness and then there's a precipitating act that totally reinforces it.
It doesn't have to happen in childhood but once it happens then you've got a committed dental phobic.