All You Need To Know About Dental Phobia

One of the most vital aspects of our overall health, oral health is regarded as extremely important more than ever in present times.

However, most of the concerns for oral health are also accompanied by fear of the dentist which stems from many feelings related to worries over one's oral health and probable bad experiences one may have had at the dentist in the past.

The fear, anxiety or stress related to a dental setup is known as Dental Anxiety. This fear of visiting the dentist can make one delay or avoid dental treatment. 

Dental anxiety can be triggered by equipment like needles, drills or the dental atmosphere in general. 

Severe dental anxiety which can be a cause of irrational fear and may make one completely avoid going to the dentist can be classified as a dental phobia, also called odontophobia.

However, a fear of the dentist shouldn’t hold one back from regular checkups and cleanings. 

Understanding various causes as well as treatments and coping mechanisms can be a starting point for helping people conquer their fear of the dentist.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can lead to: 

• Sweating
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Low blood pressure 
• Fainting 
• Apparent anxiety, crying or showing panic
• Use of humour or aggression to mask anxiety

Some people routinely miss or avoid dental appointments as they may find it tough to undergo even a simple dental treatment.

Who Can Be Affected By Dental Anxiety?

People of any age can be affected by Dental Anxiety or Phobia. Children who might have had a difficult experience in the past can overcome their fear by managing the situation well and by receiving good support and care during further dental visits.

However, Adults who display signs of Dental Anxiety usually tend to remain anxious all through their life during Dental visits. 

A dentist sympathetic to their situation can help them to cope with the situation.

What Are The Causes Of Dental Anxiety ?

Some common concerns that can cause dental anxiety are:

Pain

Many people assume that dental care is naturally painful, a thought which can cause anyone to be fearful.

However, being much less invasive, modern-day dental techniques and treatments are more comfortable than in the past.

Also, a competent dentist will make every effort to ensure a painless experience for the patients.

Loss of Control & Fear of the Unknown

There are other conditions which can be a reason for dental anxiety-like:

• Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where one feels they cannot escape.
• Claustrophobia is a fear of closed spaces.
• An obsessive-compulsive disorder can cause an obsession with cleanliness.

For some people, the sheer uncertainty of what is going to happen or what to expect can cause anxiety, as it can make them feel out of control.

Embarrassment About Dental Health

There are chances that those who have stayed away from the dentist for many years, due to dental anxiety may be dealing with aggravated dental issues.

Or some may worry about getting in trouble for delaying the appointment for so long or maintaining poor dental hygiene, even when their teeth may be in good health.

However one must remember that the longer the going to the dentist is put off, the more likely is the embarrassment to increase!  

Bad Experiences in the Past

Dental anxiety is many times a result of bad or negative past experiences. 

Thinking about the noises of the tools dentists and dental hygienists use for teeth cleaning and exams can bring about some fears, too.

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