Fear of the dentist is very common; this phobia often leads people to postpone important consultations and treatments, which can have serious consequences for your oral health.
Dental phobia, or odontophobia
If you suffer from the extreme form of dentophobia (also called dental phobia), you have probably already experienced a feeling of panic, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and sweating, or even nausea, during your visits to the dentist. It is estimated that fewer than 10% of the population suffer from this severe form of dentophobia.
According to recent studies, the moderate form of this phobia affects 36% of you. The reasons for being afraid to go to the dentist vary: traumatic childhood experiences, beliefs[1] relayed by the media or by relatives, fear of the anaesthetic needle, a very low pain threshold, or endogenous factors such as heredity and personality traits, etc.
Fear of going to the dentist can have a significant impact on the lives of people who suffer from this type of anxiety or phobia; an increase in dental caries or a worsening of gum health leading to tooth loss, persistent pain, bad breath, and reduced self-confidence due to a dental appearance that is no longer “pleasant”.
How to manage dental anxiety or phobia
At the practice, we consider the best way to treat this type of anxiety and phobia in order to prevent poor oral health. Our general dentists and orthodontists are able to effectively treat patients with dental anxiety. Whatever the level, it is important to tell us if you suffer from this type of anxiety. Discussing the different triggers together allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan.
Some coping techniques can also help you, for example:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Distraction (such as listening to music or using screens)
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Hypnosis
Severe dental anxiety or phobia may require management with relative analgesia or conscious sedation, medication to relieve anxiety, or general anaesthesia. Referral to a psychologist may also be helpful. Short, targeted therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, can be very effective.
A beautiful smile is the best calling card you can show when you introduce yourself, and that is why today we help you overcome dental phobia using modern techniques.
1. Themessl-Huber M, Freeman R, Humphris G, et al. Empirical evidence of the relationship between parental and child dental fear: a structured review and meta-analysis. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2010;20:83–101. 11. Text of footnote 1↩
