Overcoming Dentophobia: The Fear of the Dentist

Dentophobia is a fear of the dentist and common characterized by an intense and irrational fear of dentists, dental procedures, or the dental environment. 

How common are dentophobia and dental fear?

According to a recent study published in the September issue of the Journal of American Dental Association dental fear is widespread. The survey of 1,003 U.S. adults found 72.6% were afraid of going to the dentist, with 45.8% saying their fear was moderate and 26.8% saying it was severe. 

Fear of dentists is more common in females than in males. Some studies suggest that nearly 3% of men and almost 5% of women have dentophobia.

What are the causes of dentophobia?

Possible causes of dentophobia include:

• Family history: Your risk of having a phobia increases if you have a parent or family member with a phobic disorder or anxiety disorder.
• Feeling embarrassed: You may feel strange about the dentist or hygienist being so close to your face. You may also feel worried about how your teeth look or how your breath smells.
• Feeling helpless: The experience of lying in the chair and having your mouth open for an extended period can make you feel a loss of control.
• Past negative experiences: People who have had a negative traumatic experience related to going to the dentist may develop dentophobia. Traumatic experiences may include being afraid of going to the dentist as a child, having dental procedures performed without your consent or having a procedure that caused pain or complications.
• Word of mount: Hearing someone talk about their fear of dentists can spark the same phobia in you.

How to cope with dentophobia during a dental visit?

In addition to seeking long-term treatment if needed, you can try certain techniques to cope with dentophobia during a dental visit, such as:

• Research dentists: Find a dentist who specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety.
• Scheduling a consultation with your dentist before you have a care visit. Your dentist can tell you about next steps, so you feel more comfortable moving forward.
• Share your anxious with your dentist so they can best help you. They may suggest calming medications or other techniques.
• Bring a support person: Having someone present can provide comfort and reassurance.
• Use relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or visualization can help reduce anxiety.
• Have a safe signal that tells your dentist to stop if you need a break during treatment.
• Visit your dentist at a slow time, such as early in the morning, to limit the impact of noise from other patients’ treatments.
• Educate yourself: Learn about dental procedures and what to expect to reduce uncertainty.

Why choose Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist?

Dr. Soto is focused on being gentle, compassionate, and understanding of each and every one of our patients’ dental concerns. Her practice is dedicated to making a patient’s experience as pleasant and rewarding as possible. By taking time to get to know each patient personally it help you feel less anxious during any treatments.

Contact us today for any questions you might have or schedule a consultation by clicking book an appointment to use our easy online form.