Understanding the Fear of the Dentist

Fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety, is not as rare as one might think, and actually affects a significant portion of the population.

Global estimates show that dentophobia affects between 13% and 24% of people.

In Australia, approximately 16% of adults and 10% of children experience severe dental fear.

What does this fear mean?

And what potential dangers can this phobia result in?

In this Smile Doctor article, we will break down exactly what dental phobia entails, what causes it, signs it may be impacting you, the effects of avoiding dental care, and strategies to help you overcome the fear of the dentist and get you back on the right track moving forward.

What Causes Fear of the Dentist?

Odontophobia can be triggered by a variety of different factors.

Everyone’s individual fear is unique to them, but several common reasons cause anxiety to arise regarding oral care.

Some of these include :

• Past Traumatic Experience : A negative experience at the dentist, especially early on in childhood, can result in a lasting psychological impact and leave the affected person to actively avoid the dentist.
• Fear of Oral Pain : Many people will overestimate the level of pain that may occur during a dental procedure, even if it is unlikely to be painful, thanks to modern pain-free dentistry options.
• Loss of Control : Being in a dental chair can be an anxiety-inducing position for many people due to the nature of being reclined back and unable to speak or move with ease.
• Fear of Judgement : Embarrassment can also be a reason people avoid seeing the dentist. The more one avoids dental care, the more self-conscious they can become about the condition of their teeth, gums, or breath. Being judged by the dentist is a feeling that many amplify in their head.
• Sensory Overload : The sounds of dental tools such as drills and suction devices can be both unpleasant and unsettling for many people. Alongside this, the bright lights, smells, or unfamiliar sensations of the dental office can trigger anxiety.
• Choking Panic : With many procedures having a certain level of invasiveness and requiring manipulation of the mouth, it can instill fear. The sensation of gagging or choking is a common phobia, mentally magnifying the fear of not being able to breathe or swallow.
• Representation in Media : How dentists and dentistry are often represented in movies, TV shows, and books can often exaggerate dental procedures, making them appear much more painful or terrifying than they are in real life.

If severe fear of the dentist is affecting you, then seeking out help from a dentist who understands these concerns is a great first step to creating a healthy future for your oral health.

Effects of Avoiding Dental Care

A common misconception is that avoiding the dentist will only affect your oral health. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Avoidance of reliable dental care can have a widespread impact on the body as a whole.

Poor oral health has been associated with a number of other chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and other respiratory issues.

Untreated cavities and tooth decay can worsen over time, and if it isn’t treated in a timely manner, they can lead to severe pain, sensitivity, and the need for possible costly procedures like root canals or extractions.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, but later-stage periodontitis is not, and that is why it is essential not to let it get out of control.

Periodontitis increases the risk of tooth loss, severe bad breath, and even systemic infections that can affect the rest of your body.

Many people avoid dental care, not only out of fear, but also as a result of the financial cost associated with care.

However, this financial burden can actually be amplified due to problems that could have been addressed early on, becoming more complex and expensive to treat.

At a wider societal angle, neglecting dental health can result in significant body image issues, impacting an individual’s confidence, making them more isolated, and worsening their emotional well-being.

Regular dental visits not only help to prevent these issues from becoming worse, but also keeps your teeth and gums healthy, reducing the need for any emergency interventions.

Taking a proactive approach to your oral health saves you money in the long run by preventing more expensive treatments later on.

Strategies to Overcome Fear of the Dentist

From the jump, it is essential to let a dental professional know about any history you may have with odontophobia.

Having an open and honest discussion with your dentist can help to discuss all aspects of your fear, along with triggers, so a treatment plan can be tailored to directly help alleviate this anxiety.

To build upon the last point, if you suffer from severe dental anxiety, then it may be necessary to seek out professional help.

Short and personally curated therapies can be very successful in helping you figure out the root causes of your fears and creating tailored strategies to help combat these fears.

Can Pain-Free & Sedation Dentistry Help?

If you experience dentophobia, then a great way of combating it is through the use of anesthesia and sedation techniques.

These methods can be effective in combating pain, discomfort, anxiety and fear associated with the dentist, and set patients on the right path to strong, long-term general and oral health.

Some of the most common pain-free and sedation techniques include :

• IV Sedation : Unlike other forms of sedation, you will remain conscious but in a relaxed manner. This method is suitable for a wide range of patients, and provides instant relaxation and pain relief.
• Relative Analgesia (RA) : Commonly known as happy gas, RA is administered through inhalation. It is made up of a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It is a great way to reduce anxiety, and can be used as both a standalone sedative or in conjunction with others.
• Oral Sedation : Two of the most common oral sedation medications are Diazepam (Valium) and Temazepam. Usually taken one hour before your appointment, they can assist in inducing sedation, and are used in combination usually with local anesthesia.
• General Anaesthesia : For very complex dental cases, or for those who experience high levels of anxiety, general anaesthesia may be used. This will ensure you aren’t awake for any of the procedures. However, this option is not available for every procedure, and for more minor ones, it will only be used as an absolute last resort.

Talk to your dentist if you believe these tools can assist with managing your anxiety when it comes to undergoing any form of oral procedure.

When to Seek Professional Help for Dental Anxiety?

It is recommended to seek professional help for dental anxiety when you are actively avoiding dental care that is necessary for your overall health and well-being.

If you are experiencing sensations such as panic attacks, nausea, or finding everyday life hard due to an unrelenting fear, then you need to seek out the help of a mental health professional.

A therapist who uses techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can workshop effective strategies with you to help manage and combat your fear.

Alongside this, you need to do your research and choose a supportive dentist who offers open communication and education surrounding all services and procedures.

Conclusion : Taking Control of Your Dental Health

If you do experience dental anxiety, do not fear, you aren’t an outlier. It is a common phobia that many Australians also battle.

However, do not let it prevent you from seeking the proper care for your oral and general health.

Through acknowledging your fears, communicating with your dentist, and exploring various techniques to ease anxiety, you can make your dental visits more comfortable and less stressful.

Maintaining strong dental health is essential not just for your smile, but your overall health and well-being.

Regular check-ups, preventive care, and addressing any concerns early on can help you avoid more serious issues down the line.

Prioritising your dental health today ensures a healthier you, and with the right support, overcoming dental anxiety is entirely possible.

If you want to get on the right track with your dental health, get in touch with the Smile Doctor team today.