Dental phobia, or dentophobia, is a very real problem for many people. If left untreated, dental anxiety can lead to cavities, gum disease and even bad breath.
The most common cause of dental fear stems from traumatic experiences in childhood. However, seeing other loved ones experience fear and hearing media portrayals of a painful root canal or pull can also cause dental anxiety.
Fear of needles
A fear of needles is a common and difficult issue for dentists to cope with. These patients often avoid dental treatment, even when this is necessary for their health. In extreme cases, this can lead to a lack of medical care, and can result in serious health problems for the patient. In some cases, the fear of needles can be so severe that the person may not even be able to receive necessary medication.
It is important to understand that dental phobias are complex and vary from person to person. Many people are afraid of dental procedures because of painful experiences in the past or secondhand accounts from friends and family. This is despite the fact that dentistry today is not as painful as it once was, and most patients find their clinical experience to be more comfortable than in the past.
A recent study of children with dental anxiety identified five main themes around needle fears. These included: feelings about needles, the nature of the fear; context of the fear; consequences of the fear; and control. The findings suggest that further primary qualitative research is needed to explore children’s fears of needle based interventions in greater detail. Children also dislike feeling helpless and want to be in control of their healthcare interventions, particularly when they involve needles.
Fear of dentists
The fear of dentists is also known as dentophobia, and it’s a serious problem that can have real consequences. People with dentophobia often avoid dental visits, and that’s a bad idea because regular dental appointments are a critical component of good oral health. In fact, one study found that people with dental phobia have lower levels of oral health-related quality of life than those who don’t.
Symptoms of dental fear can include anxiety, distress, and feelings of helplessness. They may occur before or during a visit to the dentist. Some of these symptoms can even be physical, and include blushing, nausea, heart palpitations, or the feeling that your mouth is a dangerous place.
There are a few different types of dental fear, including situational phobia, which is limited to specific situations. It’s also possible to have a post-traumatic phobia, which is triggered by a traumatic experience. In some cases, a dental phobia can cause people to avoid all forms of treatment. This can have serious implications for the condition of their teeth and gums, leading to a vicious cycle where people skip dental visits and avoid addressing any issues.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome dental fear. Some of these methods involve a combination of relaxation techniques, distraction, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Others involve using medications to manage the underlying anxiety.
Fear of pain
Many people with dental anxiety develop a fear of pain, which is called dentophobia. It is often triggered by negative experiences that happened in the past. For instance, a person might remember a painful visit to the dentist in childhood that shaped their attitudes and beliefs about visiting the dentist as an adult.
These feelings can lead to poor oral health. This can affect a person’s ability to get a job or date, and it can also lead to medical problems. For example, if a person avoids visits to the dentist, the teeth might become infected.
For most people with dental anxiety, a simple relaxation technique can help to reduce their fears. Practicing meditation and breathing exercises helps to slow the heart rate, which will make you feel calmer. In addition, some people find it helpful to bring distractions, such as headphones, to their appointments. Similarly, some people find it helpful to talk to their mental health professionals about their fears and anxieties.
While it is easy to assume that phobias are untreatable, they can be overcome with the right support and strategies. For example, a therapist can teach you ways to manage your anxiety and may use techniques like exposure therapy to help you face your fears in a safe environment. In addition, a dentist can provide sedation dentistry, which is an effective treatment for many patients with dental anxiety or phobias.
Fear of anaesthetic
Some patients fear that the anaesthetic won’t be strong enough or will wear off too soon. They may also be worried that they will feel pain when the injection is administered. Alternatively, they may fear the side effects of the anaesthetic, such as dizziness or nausea. There are many factors that contribute to dental anxiety and phobia. Some are genetic, while others may be the result of a bad experience at the dentist as a child. The most important thing is to seek help for your dental phobia, so you can enjoy better oral health.
While some anxiety is normal, intense dental fear is unhelpful and can cause serious problems. It can affect your ability to eat, drink, and speak, as well as your social life. It can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss, which can have serious systemic consequences for your overall health.
The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to talk about your fears with your dentist and hygienists. A good practice will offer a warm, welcoming environment that makes you feel safe. It’s also a good idea to agree on a signal you can use if you become anxious during treatment, such as a thumbs up or a raised hand. You can also ask your dentist to give you a sedative so you don’t have to feel the treatment.