Do you fear going to the dentist? Well, you are not alone! According to The British Dental Journal, over 50% of the British public claim they are anxious about visits to the dentist, with almost 12% having such high levels of anxiety that it is classed as a phobia.
What is dentophobia?
Also known as Odontophobia, dentophobia is a fear of visiting the dentist.
Dentophobia often starts with a bad experience at the dentist, perhaps a painful procedure, a feeling of helplessness or even a dismissive attitude from the dentist. But one bad experience doesn’t define all dentists! Think of it this way: if you got a bad haircut, you wouldn’t avoid haircuts forever, you’d just find a different hairdresser. The same applies to dentists; you can always choose someone who makes you feel comfortable.
Sometimes, the fear isn’t directly about dentists at all. It might be a fear of needles, medical settings, or even a learned fear passed down from a parent or sibling. If someone close to you expressed anxiety about the dentist, you might have absorbed that fear without realising it.
Whatever the root cause, dentophobia can be overcome. The key is to reframe your perspective and take small, manageable steps toward easing your anxiety.
Overcoming dentophobia
The great news is that dentophobia, like any other phobia, can be completely overcome. Not many people find pleasure in visiting the dentist, but not staying on top of your dental hygiene can result in painful tooth conditions, bad breath or even tooth decay. This is why it is vital to address and alter your perception of the events that created your phobia in the first place.
Top Tips for Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist
Overcoming dentophobia, (like any phobia) is possible and we’ve put together some practical steps to help you get started.
- Remember, dentistry has come a long way! Modern techniques and technology have made treatments more comfortable and pain-free than ever before.
- Dentists understand dental anxiety. Many are trained to help nervous patients and will happily reassure you throughout the process.
- Your current discomfort might be worse than the treatment itself. That toothache you’ve been putting up with? The solution is often far quicker and easier than you imagine.
- Communicate your fear. When booking your appointment, let the practice know about your anxiety. Some dentists offer pre-visit tours to help you feel more at ease before your actual consultation.
- Focus on the benefits. A healthy smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall well-being. Keep that in mind as motivation!
- Afraid of needles? There are alternatives. Ask your dentist about numbing gels or other pain-free options.
- Bring a supportive friend. Having someone you trust by your side can make the experience feel less daunting.
- Start small. Book a simple check-up or a polish to build confidence before any major treatments.
- Use distractions. Listening to your favourite music or a podcast can help take your mind off the appointment.
- Visualise a positive outcome. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, picture yourself feeling calm and leaving with a sense of achievement. If you need guidance, check out our Positive Visualization video to help you get started!
Taking the first step is the hardest, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right approach and support, you can overcome your fear.
Living with dentophobia can be extremely challenging, however, you are not alone. Here at Trauma Research UK, our belief is, ‘It’s not what’s wrong with you, it’s what happened to you’. With this philosophy, we believe that everyone can successfully overcome their mental health issues if given the right help and support. Read more…