A majority of us seem to have an intrinsic fear of going to the dentist – even just for a regular checkup. A fear that dates back to our earliest childhoods, it’s extremely common to be afraid of the very idea of going to the dentist – from the reclining dental chair to unfamiliar dental supplies like noisy dental instruments and needles - and for some it’s as bad as being diagnosable as a phobia.

This is a fear that far extends beyond going to see the doctor; akin to - or even worse than - the idea of having blood taken. But why?

Causes of Dental Fears

There isn’t just one simple reason why the idea of visiting dentists strikes such fear into so many people…

·      For some, the dentist themself (gowned, gloved, and masked) may trigger fears.

·      You may have personally had a negative dentistry experience earlier in your life.

·      You might be triggered by clinical smells, the sound of dental instruments (drilling), or the idea of needles, blood, or pain.

·      You might be claustrophobic or uncomfortable holding your mouth open.

·      Your gag reflex may be over-sensitive resulting in fear of gagging, choking, or vomiting.

·      You may have an anxiety or panic disorder that’s triggered by clinical environments.

·      You may have health anxiety.

·      A parent, sibling, grandparent, or another person may have transmitted their own fears to you early in your life.

·      It’s also possible that you are nervous about not being in control or losing control and being embarrassed.

·      People with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) can find dental checkups and treatments extremely difficult.

Moreover, some people suffer from “White Coat Syndrome”. This is a general anxiety that can be triggered by being in any clinical environment. Even if the anxiety is not conscious, it can cause uncomfortable physical effects including a rise in blood pressure, heart palpitations, tingling, feeling faint, and other uncomfortable sensations. These in turn contribute to psychological anxiety and distress.

We also can’t fail to mention that the concept of how expensive dental treatments can be is a cause for anxiety in and of itself!

Extreme Dental Anxiety

Feeling anxious or fearful is a rational reaction when a situation is potentially hazardous – it’s part of the natural fight or flight response.

When this is irrational and severe, it becomes a phobia.

There are hundreds of phobias; some of the most common of these that humans experience include:

1. Fear of open spaces = agoraphobia

2. Fear of heights = acrophobia

3. Fear of flying = pteromerhanophobia

4. Claustrophobia = fear of enclosed spaces

5. Fear of insects = entomophobia

6. Fear of snakes = ophidiophobia

7. Fear of needles = trypanophobia

8. Fear of blood = hemophobia

9. Fear of germs = mysophobia

10. Fear of hospitals = nosocomephobia

Several of these fears can be directly linked to clinical visits, like for the dentist.

One-third of people are at least mildly fearful of going to the dentist. Dentophobia, on the other hand, is an irrational fear, and it affects 1 in 6 Australian adults and 1 in 10 Australian children. This can be crippling, and it usually develops after a specific upsetting dental experience, often early in life. It causes people to actively avoid their dentist and ignore pain, mouth sores, broken or missing teeth, severe gum disease, and other issues.

The Implications of Dental Phobias

The health and cleanliness of your mouth and teeth impact the health and well-being of your entire body – and poor dental and oral health is linked to everything from heart disease and stroke to Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.

Maintaining regular preventative dental care – just like going for your annual checkup with your GP - throughout life is essential. This is the only way to help guarantee the health and longevity of your teeth and overall oral health.

Overcoming Anxiety About the Dentist

Choose a dentist who is committed to providing a friendly and welcoming approach with easy, open communication and empathy to help soothe anxieties.

Tell your dentist if you are particularly anxious pain, claustrophobia, sore jaw, needles, blood, or anything else, as well as any existing medical conditions or allergies you may have.

Conclusion

Visiting the dentist need not be scary! Don’t let fear prevent you from enjoying optimal dental health and a beautiful smile – be open, talk to your dentist, and let them help you overcome and conquer your fears.