Why does fear of the dentist (phobia) occur?

Dental anxiety can be defined as an intense and irrational fear and anxiety of going to the dentist or receiving dental treatment. This phobia exhibits a range of symptoms and signs, such as fear of being in the dentist’s chair, fear of dental procedures or interventions in the mouth. The causes of dental anxiety may include:

Past experiences: Individuals who have previously experienced pain or discomfort are more likely to experience stress and anxiety during dental visits.

Fear of loss of control: Some people feel anxiety in the dental chair due to the loss of control they experience.

Sensitivity to pain: Individuals with a low pain threshold or high sensitivity to pain are more likely to be afraid of dental visits.

Poor communication: Poor communication between dentists and patients can cause patients to feel anxious during dental visits.

Media influence: Movies, TV shows, and other media elements can reinforce the idea that dental visits are scary.

People with dental phobia may neglect the care of their teeth, which can lead to dental and gum diseases. Therefore, it is important for people with dental anxiety to communicate with their dentists and share their concerns. Dentists can also adopt a more sensitive approach with patients who have dental phobia.

There are many different methods to overcome dental phobia. Sometimes, simple methods such as going to the dentist more frequently or going with a friend can help individuals gradually reduce their fears. For others, relaxation techniques used during dental visits, such as deep breathing, meditation, or hypnotherapy, can be helpful.