Dáithí Ó Sé Conquers 31-Year Dental Phobia
Presenter Dáithí Ó Sé recently revealed that he’d finally overcome a longstanding fear – a phobia of dentists that had kept him away from dental care for an impressive 31 years. The 48-year-old Kerry native shared his journey on social media, detailing his first visit to the dentist as he was 17. Ó Sé admitted that the fear had “hung over” him for years, leading him to avoid dental surgeries altogether. to brave the experience, he opted for sedation, ensuring a stress-free and memory-free visit thanks to Dr. Alma at Galway Dental Group. He shared a selfie with Dr. Alma from the dentist’s chair, captioning it: “31 years as I’d been to the dentist. I had a huge phobia and a real fear. That’s not the case anymore.” The post was met with praise and empathy from followers, some sharing their own dental anxieties. One person commented, “Jesus I’m the same, absolutely put the fear of god in me,” while another joked, “31 years?? Jaysus, I don’t feel so bad now!!! Fair play for taking the plunge Dáithí!” Dáithí’s story highlights that dental phobias are common and can be overcome. His bravery in facing his fear serves as an inspiration to others struggling with similar anxieties.## Dáithí Ó Sé: Conquering a 31-Year Dental Phobia
We recently caught up with RTE presenter Dáithí Ó Sé to discuss his recent triumph over a 31-year dental phobia.
**archyde:** Dáithí, thank you for speaking with us.Your social media post about overcoming your dental phobia resonated with many people. What prompted you to finally seek dental care after so long?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** The fear had hung over me for years. But honestly, it just came to a point where I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. I realised it was affecting my overall well-being, and I was resolute to find a way to conquer this phobia.
**Archyde:** That’s incredibly inspiring. You mentioned choosing sedation for your first visit. How did you find the experience with Dr. Alma at Galway Dental Group?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** Dr. Alma was fantastic. The entire team made me feel so at ease. Opting for sedation meant I didn’t have to experience any anxiety during the procedure.It was a stress-free and positive experience.
**Archyde:** Your story shines a light on a common issue many people face – dental anxiety. What advice would you give to others struggling with similar fears?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** It’s okay to be afraid. But don’t let fear control your life.
Talk to your dentist. Be open about your fears.There are options available, like sedation, that can make the experience much more manageable. Remember, you’re not alone, and taking that first step is the hardest but most rewarding part.
**Archyde:** You’ve inspired many with your bravery. Do you think your experience will encourage others to confront their own fears, not just dental ones?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** I certainly hope so. If my story can inspire even one person to face a fear they’ve been carrying for years, then it was all worth it. We all have battles to fight, and sometimes, sharing our experiences can help others find the courage to fight their own.
**Archyde:** Would you encourage your followers to share their experiences with dental anxiety or overcoming other fears? We believe hearing diverse perspectives can be incredibly powerful.
## Dáithí Ó Sé: Conquering a 31-Year Dental Phobia
**archyde:** Welcome,Dáithí,and thank you for joining us today. You recently shared a very personal story about overcoming a 31-year phobia of dentists. Can you tell us a bit about what prompted you to finally face your fear?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** Well, it was simply something I’d been putting off for far too long. The fear had been hanging over me for years, ever since my first visit to the dentist as a 17-year-old [1]. I’m not sure what exactly triggered it at the time, but it became a deep-seated phobia that prevented me from seeking any dental care whatsoever.
**Archyde:** It takes a lot of courage to confront a phobia like that. What ultimately gave you the push to take the plunge?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** I realised I couldn’t keep avoiding the issue forever. My dental health was suffering, and I knew I needed to prioritize it.
**Archyde:** And how did you choose to approach your return to the dentist?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** This time, I opted for sedation. I wasn’t keen on the idea of reliving the anxiety and discomfort of the past. Dr. Alma at galway Dental Group was fantastic. She made the whole experience stress-free and, thanks to the sedation, I don’t even remember most of it [1].
**Archyde:** That must have been a relief! You shared your experience on social media and received a lot of positive feedback. What was the response like?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** The response was truly heartwarming. Many people reached out to share their own experiences with dental phobias, which made me feel less alone. Others expressed their admiration for my bravery in overcoming my fear.
**Archyde:** Your story is certainly an inspiring one for anyone struggling with a similar phobia. What advice would you give to others who might be hesitant to seek dental care?
**Dáithí Ó Sé:** Don’t let fear control your life! Dental health is crucial, and there are options available to make the experience more pleasant.Talk to your dentist, explore sedation dentistry if necessary, and remember that you’re not alone in this.
**Archyde:** Thank you so much for sharing your story, Dáithí. it’s a reminder that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with courage and a little bit of help.
[1] From the article: Presenter Dáithí Ó Sé recently revealed that he’d finally overcome a longstanding fear – a phobia of dentists that had kept him away from dental care for an notable 31 years. The 48-year-old Kerry native shared his journey on social media…