There are many people that experience a phobia of some sort. A phobia, as defined by Merriam-Webster is “an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation.” The ironic part of having a phobia is that in most cases, the person actually realizes the fear they are experiencing is illogical. Unfortunately, many patients that suffer from a dental phobia do not know what, if anything, they can do to stop it.
Sometimes dental anxiety is due to a past experience that left the patient feeling fearful, nervous or uncomfortable. Other times, a person might dread seeing a dentist because of personal stories that friends or relatives have relayed. Even more often, there is no conscious cause. Subconsciously, however, there is always an underlying reason.
Common Fears
Pain seems to be a big fear that comes up when the word “dentist” is mentioned. Embarrassment because of cavities, halitosis or another dental problem may make a patient anxious over an upcoming appointment. The feeling of being confined or restricted to the dental chair, with a person on either side of you, can also cause apprehension. Other fears include the sight of needles and the feeling of saliva in the mouth without being able to swallow as normal (creating a gagging or choking sensation).
Signs of Dental Phobia
Symptoms of dental phobia include an overwhelming feeling of panic when thinking about a visit to the dentist office or rapid breathing and heartrate during an appointment. People with an extreme phobia may become physically ill because they are so worked up over the thought of visiting the dentist. Other signs, which may be less noticeable, but are nonetheless symptoms include an uneasiness that you can’t quite place, a feeling of breathlessness and a nervous feeling that just doesn’t seem quite right. Sleeplessness is another sign that the thought of visiting the dentist is extremely troubling to you.
Treatment & Coping Strategies
There are various ways to cope with dental phobia. Talking with your dentist about your fears is often the first step in overcoming your fear. Your dentist can speak with you about sedation, anesthesia and anti-anxiety medication, any of which can help to ease anxiety enough to get you through the appointment. For a long-term solution, behavioral therapy or hypnosis are both good options. There are also techniques that a person can use to ease anxiety on their own. Deep breathing and centering your focus on another subject can be distractive enough to help cope with mild anxiety. Support groups also exist to help people through phobias. Many people experience dental phobia and it can be helpful to discuss and receive feedback from others who better understand what you are feeling and why. Sometimes, simply talking about your fears may be enough to get you through. For others though, talking is not enough. Having a friend or family member come with you to the appointment might also be calming. Having a person that you are comfortable with in the exam room may help to put your body at ease.
Helping Children Overcome Dental Fear
Children can have a fear of the dentist for various reasons. Perhaps a child at school relayed an unpleasant dental experience and now your child is frightened. Fear of the dentist can even happen after a child reads about a dental visit in a storybook. The look of unfamiliar tools and a dental mask can also be scary. Talk with your child to ease any fears, but don’t overdo it. If you seem anxious, your child will sense it and become even more fearful.