Dentophobia: overcome your fear of visiting the dentist

Who hasn't felt scared or nervous about going to the dentist? Statistics from the WHO, say that over 15% of the population suffers from a phobia of going to the dentist. But what is the condition really about, and how can you overcome it?

What is dentophobia?

Dentophobia, or odontophobia is the fear of dentist work or orthodontic treatment and the professionals that do the work. People usually have the anxiety disorder based on prior bad experiences. The negative memories can cause anxiety, panic attacks and distress, making it hard to tackle oral health issues. It can relate to other phobias too, such as, trypanophobia (the fear of needles).

Both children and adults can experience odontophobia or dentophobia. The most common symptom in both cases is feeling genuine fear at the thought of or the environment of a dentist.

We'll discuss treatments to get over dentophobia in this article.

We'll also share how Impress can help you with a personalised treatment plan. We empower patients: leaving you ready to tackle dental problems. Come to us for a range of orthodontic treatment options from whitening to aligners.

We're here to help you straighten your teeth and feel secure in your smile.

Why are people scared of the dentist?

Dental visits can trigger anxiety, nervousness, and fear for a number of reasons. Some of the most common ones are listed below:

• due to the fear of pain
• fear of discomfort felt during dental procedures such as a dental implant
• the unfamiliarity of the clinical environment
• the sound of dental equipment, such as a dental drill
• a negative experiences from the past
• a lack of oral health knowledge
• being afraid of the loss of control
• the anticipation of potential judgement about oral hygiene habits

Patients might also feel vulnerable going to a dental practice, as the clinic environment can often be intimidating. The boundaries of personal space can also be crossed, as the mouth is a sensitive area of the body. The phobia can, ultimately, result from a combination of sensory and psychological factors, as well as negative past experiences.

Fear of the dentist in children

Fear of the dentist in children can stem from the child feeling intimidated, or scared when going to the clinic. To help children manage their phobia of the dentist, get them used to attending dental appointments as soon as they get their first teeth.

Taking your kids with you to your appointments also helps them normalise managing their dental health, visits to see a dentist and overcoming their fear.

Fear of the dentist in adults

As mentioned before, fear of the dentist is a common problem that not only affects children. Fear of the dentist in adults is often triggered by a traumatic experience, or from witnessing a similar bad dental experience of someone they know.

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.

Dentophobia or odontophobia symptoms

There are a series of common symptoms that adults or children can experience with dentophobia or odontophobia:

• 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. One of the benefits at Impress, is that the scans and X-ray are painless.

Prepare for your orthodontic assessment at Impress

Letting our team know that you have anxiety at the beginning of the appointment, means we can take it at a pace that works for you. Our team will ask you about any contraindications or health concerns at the beginning of your appointment. This is an ideal time to tell us if you struggle with any fears or anxieties about examination or dental treatment.

The advice we give you below is also useful if you don't know how to overcome this fear of going to the dentist.

How to get over the fear of the dentist

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.

Get to know the procedures: Have a conversation with the professional prior to your appointment, so they can explain your diagnosis and the treatment that needs to be carried out in detail. We have a WhatsApp number that you can use to ask our team any questions you have.

Once you get to your appointment, our patient care team and the orthodontists can also address all your concerns and bear them in mind, as well as take any additional measures during the procedure.

Try relaxation techniques: 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.

Consider the appointment time: One measure you can take to get over the fear of the dentist is to schedule an appointment earlier in the day. That way you can avoid worrying about it throughout the day.

Choose a dentist who makes you feel relaxed: visit several dentists until you find one who instils confidence and tranquillity in you, so that you feel comfortable and secure.

Keep yourself occupied in the waiting room: keep your mind occupied while waiting for your appointment. Listening to music, reading, watching a series, or taking a trusted friend or family member can help divert your attention and distract you from feeling afraid.

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, here are a series of treatments for dentophobia that under professional supervision, could help you conquer them.

• 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: Conscious sedation under professional supervision can be used 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.

Why is going to the dentist important?

Going to the dentist is of vital importance to maintain good oral health. Not attending dental check-ups can not affect your oral health and your overall health too. The mouth can be the origin of diseases or infections that affect the rest of the body.

Avoiding regular health check-ups can lead to tooth decay and the development of gingivitis, halitosis, cavities, or other problems, and also impact cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or issues during pregnancy.

Patients need to understand that when they go to an appointment, the role of the dentist is to care for them like any other health professional. The dentist aims to help you and protect your teeth at all times.

Impress: we'll make you feel comfortable

At Impress, we want to take care of your oral health to always a pleasant experience. We want you to feel at ease when visiting our dental offices.

You will find a great team of experts who will make you feel at home in our dental clinics. 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.

Updated: October 2025