A dental phobia is an extreme fear of having teeth problems fixed by dentists. Dental phobia can be so severe that some people will not go to the dental clinic, even when they need treatment to prevent more serious health issues like tooth decay or infections.

If you are in this situation, it’s essential to know what causes dental phobia and how to deal with it effectively to get the help you need and keep your smile healthy!

Contributing factors

Many factors can be attributed to a person’s dental phobia and will culminate in someone being completely deterred from visiting the dental office. Some of these factors can include:

Fear of pain

According to oral health experts, dental phobia can be caused motivated by the fear of pain they will experience at their dentist appointment. For some, their fears about dentistry come from a bad and painful experience in their past. If someone had an unpleasant time at the dentist when they were younger, this could lead them to be anxious about future visits. For example, if a child has a cavity filled, and the dentist talks too loudly or has too strong of a grip on their arms, that may trigger anxiety for that child in later years.

Lack of control

Some people feel like they don’t have any say over what happens to their teeth. For instance, some patients go to the dentist expecting to get normal check up but will find out they need a more invasive procedure completed than they anticipated. In these situations, people start feeling like they do not have any control over their treatment process. Patients can also worry that decisions made by the dentist are just personal opinions rather than good professional advice. All of these aspects will contribute to a person’s dental phobia and the feeling of loss of control.

Genetic

Unbeknownst to many dental patients, parents may influence how much your fear of dentistry affects you. That’s because some people are simply more susceptible to anxiety than others. So, if you’re afraid of dentistry because your mother is terrified of needles, that’s probably due to her genetics. Although, if you have no family history of dental phobia and still have a lot of negative feelings towards the dentist, then it’s possible that one event, such as being accidentally sedated, led to all your anxieties. Whatever the cause, it’s always worth talking to your dentist about your concerns so that they can help create a treatment plan for you.

Alleviating your phobia

Although it may seem impossible not to fear the dentist when you have dental phobia, there are certain measures you can take to alleviate some of the stress. Some of the ways you can do this can include:

Talk to your dentist

If you fear going to the dentist, it’s important to talk to your dentist about it. They can help you understand what may be causing your fear and how to best deal with it. Getting your dental treatment done in a way that makes you feel more comfortable may be possible. For example, it’s possible to numb your gums or have local anesthesia during procedures instead of general anesthesia. You might also be able to take some steps on your own by practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or distracting yourself by reading a book while at the dental clinic. You should also try not to put off any necessary treatments because they may only become more difficult as time goes on.

Practice relaxation exercises

Relaxation exercises can help you control your anxiety about going to the dentist. Once you find a relaxation technique that works for you, practice it regularly. This will help reduce your anxiety and make it easier to cope with when you do have to go to the dentist. To start a relaxation exercise, find a quiet, peaceful place to sit down. Focus on your breathing and try to breathe from your diaphragm as opposed to your chest. As you inhale, allow your stomach to expand. When you exhale, let your stomach contract. If thoughts come into your head during this time, focus on them without judging them or worrying about them.

Seeing a therapist

A therapist can help you understand your fear and work with you to develop coping mechanisms. If you have a severe case of dental phobia, your therapist may also recommend medication to help ease your anxiety. Therapy is usually tailored to the individual’s needs than other techniques you can practice to remedy your dental phobia. In therapy, the goal is not just to get rid of your fear but also to change the way you think about it so that it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Your therapist will teach you how to recognize triggers, manage urges, and use relaxation techniques to deal with your fear.

Conclusion

Dental phobia is a very real phenomenon that can cause people a great deal of anxiety. While the exact causes are unknown, a combination of genetic disposition and past negative experiences likely play a role. If you suffer from dental phobia, know that you are not alone and there are ways to manage your fear.

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