The Impact of Dental Anxiety on Oral Health: Causes and Consequences

Fear of the dentist - WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

Fear of the dentist, known as dentophobia or odontophobia, is a common and significant issue for many individuals. This fear is characterized by an overwhelming sense of anxiety and dread at the thought of visiting a dentist or undergoing dental treatment. People with dentophobia may experience intense physical and emotional reactions, such as sweating, increased heart rate, and even panic attacks when confronted with the prospect of dental care. This fear can be so severe that it leads individuals to avoid dental appointments altogether, even when they are in pain or need urgent care, ultimately compromising their oral and overall health.

dont panic signPhoto byPhoto by Tonik

The origins of dentophobia are multifaceted and can stem from various sources. One of the primary causes is a traumatic or painful experience during a previous dental visit, particularly in childhood. A negative encounter, such as experiencing significant pain during a procedure or feeling a lack of empathy or support from the dental staff, can leave a lasting impression and condition individuals to associate the dentist with fear and discomfort. Additionally, the clinical environment of a dental office, with its distinct smells, sounds of drills, and sterile appearance, can evoke anxiety and contribute to the fear response.

Another contributing factor is the fear of pain. Dental procedures often involve some level of discomfort, and for individuals who are highly sensitive to pain or have a low pain threshold, the anticipation of this discomfort can be particularly distressing. The fear of needles, known as trypanophobia, also plays a significant role, as many dental treatments require injections for anesthesia. Furthermore, a fear of loss of control or vulnerability while lying in the dentist’s chair can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Psychological factors, such as general anxiety disorders or a family history of dental fear, can also influence the development and intensity of dentophobia.

Irina Kessler, DDS

Irina Kessler, DDS is a cosmetic and general dentist on the upper east side of New York City that that specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety. Her practice has become popular with patients with dental phobias that are looking for a dental phobia dentist in NYC. Word quickly spread on the upper east side and she became very popular with patients who have 'dental fears and phobias'.

Her approach is unique. " We try not to be like a regular dental office and more of a family dental office. When patients come here they know they they are getting the same doctor every time, Dr Kessler and Dr Vaiman. We have had patients perform a complete 180 in terms of the way they feel when they come to the office. Fear of the unknown is large factor. We take certain steps to allay any fears - a lot of it is about explaining to the patient. Eventually we develop a level of trust that makes working on a patient a lot easier. "

In essence, the fear of the dentist is a complex issue influenced by a combination of personal experiences, sensory triggers, and psychological predispositions. Understanding these factors is crucial for dental professionals in order to provide compassionate care and develop strategies to help patients manage and overcome their fears, ensuring they receive the necessary dental treatment for their well-being.

Making Awesome Smiles, is a group of practices in Palm Beach county,Florida that is taking a new approach to patients with dental anxiety. Many patients at these practices have been residents of the US but initially lived in other countries where the standard of dental care was far from the standard of care in the US. Many cite bad 'childhood experiences at the dentist' that have caused them to have 'dental phobia'.

Dr Chase Thomas

Difference Between Dentophobia and Severe Fear of Dental Treatment

Dr. Chase Thomas, chief dentist at Making Awesome Smiles of Royal Palm Beach is quick to point out that there is a difference between "dentophobia" and "fear of dental treatment". Dentophobia according to Dr. Thomas involves "an extreme, disproportionate fear of dentists, causing individuals to avoid dental visits even when in pain". This severe condition can lead to poor dental health and negatively impact relationships or job prospects.

In contrast, severe fear of dental treatment involves significant distress, but not to the extent of dentophobia. Dr. Thomas adds " People with dental anxiety worry about pain or stress but are still likely to still seek dental care. They are usually a nervous wreck when coming to the dentist and we have a number of things that we do to alleviate this stress."

Prevalence of Dentophobia and Dental Fear

In the U.S., about 36% of people fear dental treatment, with 12% experiencing extreme fear. Approximately 3% of adults in industrialized countries have dentophobia and avoid dentists entirely. This fear is more common in females, with nearly 3% of men and almost 5% of women affected.

Fears Associated with Dentophobia

People with dentophobia may fear:

• Anesthetic: Fear that the anesthetic won’t work or anxiety about its side effects, such as temporary numbness.
• Blood: Fear of blood (hemophobia), feeling panicky about even minor bleeding during dental procedures.
• Choking: Fear of gagging or choking when the mouth is numbed, or fear of not being able to breathe or swallow.
• The Dentist: Negative feelings towards the dentist, especially if they had a bad past experience.
• Pain: Fear of pain during or after dental procedures, especially for those highly sensitive to pain.
• Needles: Fear of injections used in dental procedures.
• Noise: Anxiety about the sounds of drills and dental instruments.
• Smells: Anxiety triggered by the smells in the dentist’s office or specific odors during treatment.

Making Awesome Smiles is a dental group in Palm Beach County,Florida offering the highest standards in cosmetic and general dental care. The practice in Royal Palm Beach focuses on returning patients to optimal dental health and in treating patients with dental anxiety. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Royal Palm Beach or a dentist that treats dental anxiety then Making Awesome Smiles can help. Alternatively if you are looking for a teeth cleaning in Royal Palm Beach they offer a 'new patient special' for $99.00 that includes exam, x-ray and cleaning.