Dentophobia or odontophobia: why do we have a fear of the dentist?

Who hasn't felt scared or nervous about going to the dentist? If not you, then surely you know someone who has, as, per the WHO, over 15% of the population suffers from a phobia of or anxiety towards going to the dentist, which is called odontophobia or dentophobia..

In this article, we will explain what odontophobia or fear of the dentist is, both in children and adults, the most common symptoms a person may experience and how to overcome this fear. Additionally, we will discuss various treatments to get over dentophobia and why it is important to go to the dentist to maintain your oral health.

What is odontophobia or fear of the dentist?

If you are wondering what the fear of dentists is called, you are in the right place. Odontophobia, dentophobia, or fear of going to the dentist is a state of nervousness or anxiety experienced by the patient when visiting the dentist. Fear of the dentist is not only experienced by children, but also suffered by a percentage of adults for various reasons and to varying degrees. When we talk about what dentophobia or odontophobia is, we usually refer to a high level of irrational and difficult-to-manage fear of the dentist for those who experience it.

Why are people scared of the dentist?

People can be scared of the dentist for several reasons. So, why are people scared of the dentist? Dental visits can trigger anxiety, nervousness and fear due to the pain or discomfort felt during procedures, the unfamiliarity of the clinical environment, the sound of dental equipment or negative experiences from the past. Being afraid of the loss of control or anticipation of potential judgement about oral hygiene habits can also contribute. Additionally, dental procedures might evoke feelings of vulnerability in the patient, as personal space and a sensitive area of the body are involved. A phobia of the dentist can, ultimately, result from a combination of sensory and psychological factors, as well as negative experiences from the past.

Fear of the dentist in adults

As mentioned before, fear of the dentist is a common problem that not only affects children; a percentage of adults also experience odontophobia. Fear of the dentist in adults is often triggered by a traumatic experience during past dental visits or by witnessing a similar experience in a family member or friend. It can also be triggered by a lack of trust in the treating professional, feelings of embarrassment or a sense of lack of control over the situation. In addition to these emotions, both in children and adults, odontophobia can also be caused by fear of the instruments used by the professional, such as needles or the dental drill.

Fear of the dentist in children

Fear of the dentist in children often results from the child feeling intimidated or scared when going to the clinic, although it can also be triggered by previous experiences with the dentist.

To help children manage their phobia of the dentist, it is important to get them used to attending dental appointments from a young age. Another way is to have children accompany their parents to appointments to normalise visits and, as a result, help children overcome their fear of the dentist.

Dentophobia or odontophobia symptoms

Among adults or children who are scared of going to the dentist, there are a series of common symptoms that can help us identify the problem and address it. The most common physical symptoms of dentophobia or odontophobia are:

• Sweating

• Rapid heartbeat

• Hyperventilation

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Upset stomach or indigestion

• Chest, abdominal or head pain

All these symptoms of dentophobia can manifest before the dental appointment or during the visit itself. In addition to these physical symptoms, there are a series of cognitive or behavioural symptoms, such as disorientation or confusion, excessive anxiety, distress or fear, and behaviours of escape or avoidance of the appointment. If you experience any of these symptoms when you visit the dental clinic, you may suffer from odontophobia. The advice we give you below will be useful if you don't know how to overcome this fear of going to the dentist.

Scared of the dentist but need treatment? How to get over the fear

If you are scared of the dentist but need treatment and want to know how to overcome this fear, here are a series of tips to help you get over it and attend your appointments calmly.

1. Get to know the procedures - The first tip for how to get over your fear of the dentist is to have a conversation with the professional prior to your appointment, so they can explain your diagnosis and the necessary treatment to be carried out in detail. The dentist can also address all your concerns and bear them in mind, as well as take any additional measures during the procedure.
2. Relaxation techniques - Another tip to overcome the fear of the dentist is to practise mindfulness or breathing exercises to relax and be able to face the visit with confidence, both in the moments before the appointment and during it.
   
3. Consider the appointment time - One measure you can take to get over the fear of the dentist is to schedule the appointment early in the day, to avoid worrying about it throughout the day. Also, in the morning, dental clinics tend to be less crowded, so the environment will be calmer and this can help you feel more at ease.
   
4. Choose a dentist who makes you feel relaxed - Another way to overcome your fear of the dentist is to visit several dentists until you find one who instils confidence and tranquillity in you, so that you feel comfortable and secure.
   
5. Keep yourself occupied in the waiting room - It is essential to keep your mind occupied while waiting for your appointment. Listening to music, reading, watching a series... these activities can help divert your attention and prevent you from just waiting and feeding your fear. Going with someone else can also be useful to distract yourself during these moments, which can help you overcome the fear of the dentist.
   
6. Agree on a signal with the professional - If the dentist is aware of your fear, one way to get over it is to agree on a signal with them to request a break, so that you feel like you have some control over the situation.
   

Treatments for dentophobia or dental phobia

If your fear of the dentist is difficult to control with the tips we have given above, there are a series of treatments for dentophobia, or dental phobia, that, under professional supervision, can help you manage it:

• Help from a psychologist: undergoing therapy with a professional can assist patients in addressing their nervousness about or fear of going to the dentist using various techniques.

• Medical relaxants: always under the supervision of a professional, taking some anxiety medication can help alleviate your symptoms and make you feel more relaxed during your visit.

• Sedation: also under professional supervision and only in cases of extreme necessity, pharmacological sedation will help you feel more relaxed and face the appointment in a state of deep calm. It's essential not to confuse sedation with anaesthesia.

Role of a dentist: why is it important to go to the dentist?

Going to the dentist is of vital importance to maintain good oral health. Not attending dental check-ups can not only affect your oral health but also your overall health, as the mouth can be the origin of diseases or infections that affect the rest of the body. Not attending regular dental health check-ups can lead to the development of gingivitis, halitosis, cavities, or other problems, and also impact cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or issues during pregnancy. Are you still wondering why it is important to go to the dentist?

Dentophobia or fear of the dentist can compromise your oral health. The role of a dentist is to help you maintain good oral health and protect you from contracting other diseases. It is essential for patients to understand that when they go to an appointment, the dentist is not their enemy; the dentist's aim is to care for and protect them at all times. In conclusion, the role of the dentist is crucial in comforting and managing a person with a phobia or fear of the dentist in an empathetic and professional manner.

Impress: experts and clinics that will make you feel comfortable

At Impress, we want taking care of your oral health to always be a pleasant experience. That's why we do everything in our power to make our patients feel at ease when visiting us.

We are aware that dental clinics tend to trigger phobias and fears among patients. That's why we have state-of-the-art clinics that stray from the aesthetics of traditional dental offices, designed to make the patient feel comfortable and relaxed.

Moreover, in our clinics, you will find a great team of experts who will make you feel at home. Our specialists are experienced in various types of dental treatments, including invisible orthodontics, and always seek the best option to maintain or improve your smile.

If you are interested in discovering what Impress can do for your oral health, visit your nearest Impress clinic. You can also schedule an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.