Self Obs. Having to sneeze while at the dentist getting my teeth cleaned (F)

[Daphine]

Until a couple of hours ago I didn't have any observations to share then I went to the dentist today for a cleaning and had a really embarrassing sneeze. The hygienist was cleaning my teeth with that bright overhead light in my face. I was fine until suddenly she switched on this kind of head lamp she was wearing and almost instantly I felt it😲. It was a deep tickle and I almost instantly went into my pre sneeze freeze mode. For those who don't know what that is, it's basically the worst experience someone could have if that person is embarrassed to sneeze in public. What happens is when I feel a sneeze coming on I will basiclly freeze and find it almost impossible to move. Obviously I have never seen myself sneeze but a friend of mine did take a picture of me during one of my pre sneeze freezes and it confirmed my worst fear. What happens is my eye's get heavy lidded and my mouth just hangs halfway open. If I'm not able to move my hand quick enough it will just hover about 6 inches below my face. The worst part is I will be like this for around 3-10 seconds with some hitching breaths added in for good measure until I finally sneeze. Thank goodness I almost always sneeze in singles. So back to my observation. I heard hygienist say "can you open your mouth a little more" right as my jaw was quivering and my lower jaw was going slack. I couldn't say anything but I got her attention enough that she stopped her work and moved back. I was SO embarrassed because I heard her say something like "do you have to sneeze ?" It felt like forever that I sat there frozen but it was probably just 3-4 seconds before I let out a heavily stifled sneeze. Probably like eeeeechiiii . I felt like I had to tuck my eyeballs back in there sockets after it. Anyway I apologize as I could feel my face turning bright red and she made a comment about it being caused by her light and that was it. Thank god!

[strong sneeze32]

Nice obs!

I had a similar experience, and it was really embarrassing😅

[Rick]

Awww, bless you - you did well to keep your sneeze so tightly controlled after such a strong build-up, no wonder you felt like your eyes nearly popped out. I'm really bad at stifling, and it's so hard when you're "trapped" in a situation like that, really have to sneeze and want to keep it as small as you can manage.

[Engmanny]

I'm sure your not the first photic sneezer to fall fowl of the dentist lamp x

[NoV]

This would be my nightmare - having to admit that was going to sneeze in front of a stranger! Sounds like you handled it like a pro  

[newyorkfilmmaker]

Great obs!  Thank you for sharing

[Brightly]

Always wondered what would happen at the dentist.  Maybe they can recognize the signs and breathing patterns.  

[Joal 555]

I feel your pain....which was more pain that any dentist could have administered!

I'd have been equally embarrassed.