"One of the fundamental findings of the science of psychology is that when a person is exposed to a situation that is not actually dangerous but which they fear or avoid, their distress first increases for a period, but after some time, with the emergence of a condition called habituation, this distress decreases and subsides." - Dr. Hakan Türkçapar
Dental anxiety is a very common type of fear worldwide, causing many people to postpone dental treatment. In fact, we can say that this situation is quite widespread both in Turkey and in many countries around the world.
If your heart races, you experience excessive sweating and trembling, you are not alone. This fear, also known as dentophobia, is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to feel extreme anxiety or panic related to dental treatment.
In this article, Clinic UltraDent will explain in detail what dental fear is, why it occurs, and most importantly, how you can overcome this fear. We will explore all the underlying causes of dental fear, from the feeling of loss of control to fear of needles, and from past traumatic experiences to panic attack triggers, along with effective solutions. You will find all the information you need in this article on how to ease your fear and achieve a healthy smile.
What is Dental Fear (Dentophobia)?
Dental phobia, commonly known as dental fear, can be defined as an excessive fear people feel towards dental examinations or dental treatments. This condition causes intense anxiety and worry when you consider making an appointment for dental treatment or during the examination itself.
The difference between dental fear and dentophobia
Dental fear is a normal reaction that occurs during dental procedures in response to fear-inducing stimuli. Dental anxiety, on the other hand, is the worry that frightening events will occur during dental treatment and the associated feeling of loss of control. Dentophobia, unlike these, is a much more severe and life-affecting condition.
If the fear you experience is so high that it affects your decisions regarding examinations and treatments, then we can speak of dentophobia. In this situation, even in cases where dental treatment is necessary, you will avoid going to the dentist and experience extreme fear and distress.
Prevalence in adults and children
According to research conducted in Turkey, 80-90% of children are afraid of dentists. It has been observed that dental fear-anxiety and behavioral management problems in children affect 30% of the normal child population. In one survey, up to 30% of the Turkish population stated that they felt uneasy while sitting in the dental chair.
This fear is common both in children and in adults. Globally, the rate in adults is around 10%.
Good News for Those with Dental Phobia: Treatment is Possible
We want to emphasize that you can confidently pursue your dental treatments, even with dental fear. Today, various treatment methods are available to overcome this fear:
- Exposure Therapy (Systematic Desensitization): This is one of the most commonly used treatment methods. It allows you to gradually confront your fear in a safe environment.
- Sedation and General Anesthesia: These make it possible to complete dental procedures without feeling any pain or discomfort.
Additionally, methods such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy can also enable you to overcome dentophobia. It is known that individuals who regularly attend dental check-ups despite having dentophobia are more likely to overcome this fear.
For children, child-friendly clinics and pedodontists (pediatric dentists) play an important role in overcoming dental fear.
Causes of Dental Fear
Dental fear stems from multiple causes. Every individual may experience this fear for different reasons. Understanding these complex and multifaceted reasons is the first step in overcoming the fear.
Traumatic experiences in the past
One of the most common causes of dental fear is past negative experiences. Any negative experience during previous dental examinations can leave lasting impressions and eventually turn into dental fear. Factors such as painful procedures, poor treatment, and a lack of empathy from the dentist can lead to this condition. Research shows that approximately 15% of adults neglect regular dental care due to dental fear.
Sensitivity to dental needles and instrument sounds
For many people, just the sight, sound, or even the smell of a dental office can be enough to trigger anxiety attacks. Especially the buzzing sound of the aerator (commonly known as the "drill") is heard more exaggeratedly because it's close to the ear, and it can create a negative psychological reaction. Fear of dental needles can sometimes be seen directly with a fear of needles, and sometimes on its own.
Loss of control and panic attack triggers
The thought of completely losing control in the dental chair creates fear in many people. The mere thought of or an actual visit to the dentist can cause panic attacks, and this is common among individuals experiencing dental fear. Symptoms of a panic attack include sudden shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest tightness, excessive sweating, and a feeling of losing control.
Family and environmental influences
Having a family member with a phobic disorder or anxiety disorder increases the risk of having a phobia. Threats to children like "if you misbehave, I'll take you to the dentist" can lay the foundation for dental fear at a young age. Additionally, bad dental experiences recounted by people in the environment also fuel this fear.
Negative communication with the dentist
Lack of communication between the dentist and the individual is a significant factor that increases fear. Insufficient information about the treatment process from the dentist or a lack of empathy can make the person feel vulnerable. Instead of unrealistic promises like "it won't hurt at all," honest information about the treatment process strengthens the trust relationship.
Symptoms and Effects of Dental Fear
Individuals experiencing dental fear exhibit both physical and psychological symptoms. The severity of these symptoms varies depending on the level of fear the person experiences and can lead to a decline in oral health over time.
Physical symptoms: sweating, palpitations, nausea
Among the most common physical reactions seen in individuals struggling with dentophobia are rapid heartbeat or palpitations, excessive sweating, and trembling. Additionally, symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling of choking, dizziness, and a sensation of fainting are common. Nausea and digestive problems also frequently occur. The intensity of these physical symptoms can increase as a dental appointment approaches.
Psychological symptoms: anxiety, panic, avoidance behavior
The emotional and psychological symptoms of dental fear manifest as intense anxiety and tension before or during the appointment. This intense anxiety felt before or during a dental appointment is one of the primary symptoms of fear. Avoidance behaviors are also a typical indicator of this fear. The person tends to constantly postpone or cancel appointments. Furthermore, behaviors such as intense anxiety about dental treatment, feeling panic even when considering going to the dentist, and making excuses to avoid treatment are observed. Moreover, insomnia and sleep problems are also common symptoms.
Long-term effects on oral health
The biggest risk of dental fear is that people avoid regular dental care and check-ups. This avoidance behavior leads to a deterioration of oral health over time. Due to neglected regular check-ups, dental tartar, dental caries, gum diseases, and infections can progress.
Consequently, postponed dental problems lead to the need for more painful and expensive treatments in later stages. Individuals who experience intense dental fear avoid treatment even when they have dental discomfort, and this can lead to severe tooth loss.
Negative consequences on general health
The influence of poor oral health extends beyond the mouth.. There is a strong relationship between oral health and general health. Untreated tooth and gum problems can lead to serious health problems over time, such as heart disease and coronary artery disease. Furthermore, pneumonia and respiratory tract infections are also among the consequences of poor oral health. In addition, poor oral health can damage an individual's self-confidence and create problems in work and social relationships.
How to Overcome Dental Fear?
It's possible to overcome dental fear! Many effective methods can enable you to conquer this fear. When you apply the right strategies, dental treatments no longer have to be a nightmare.
The importance of choosing a dentist
The first step in overcoming dental fear is to find a dentist who suits you. A dentist with strong empathy, patience, and a clear explanatory attitude plays a big role in letting you relax.
At Clinic UltraDent, best dental clinic in Antalya, you'll find a team of dentists who understand and support you.. This approach will increase your sense of trust. Be sure to openly communicate your fears to your dentist. Your dentist can then acknowledge your concerns and provide solutions to make the treatment process more comfortable for you. Each of our dentists is ready to listen to you and make your treatment process as comfortable as possible.
Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety in the dental chair is breathing exercises. Deep breathing enables you to calm down by reducing stress in your body. Before or during treatment, you can try inhaling deeply through your nose for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, and exhaling through your mouth for eight seconds. This technique calms your nervous system and aids relaxation. Additionally, progressive muscle relaxation exercises (pulling your shoulders up, holding for a few seconds, then releasing) can also lower tension.
Sedation and general anesthesia options
For those experiencing intense dental fear, sedation and general anesthesia are important options that facilitate treatment. Sedation is a method that allows an individual to be in a completely relaxed state while conscious. Sedation can be applied in three different types depending on its intensity: conscious, moderate, and deep sedation. General anesthesia, on the other hand, is a method where the person is made completely unconscious and feels nothing. This method is especially suitable for those with extreme dental phobia.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very effective method for overcoming dental fear. CBT is designed to identify and change negative perceptions and thoughts related to dentists.
Exposure therapy can also be applied as part of CBT and enable you to gradually overcome your fear.
Using sedatives for dental fear
If dental fear is very severe, sedative medications can be used before treatment. These medications can be taken before the appointment to enable you to relax during the treatment. However, the use of these medications should be under the supervision of your dentist or a specialist.
5 Solutions to Ease Dental Fear
- Schedule your appointment for the morning whenever possible, to ensure a day free from tension.
- Bring someone you trust with you.
- Agree on a signal with your dentist beforehand to take a break during treatment.
- Get enough sleep before your examination and avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Ensure regular check-ups, so dental visits become a habit.