What Causes Dental Anxiety

Ingrained within our DNA there’s a protective mechanism that helps us avoid danger. It’s essential to the survival of the human race. Our ancient relatives wouldn’t be part of our family tree if they hadn’t operated with a solid dose of fear. But sometimes fear keeps us from healthy situations…like dental care. Rational or not, nearly 40 million U.S citizens avoid dental care on a regular basis due to extreme anxiety. Understanding what causes dental anxiety is essential for both you and your dentist to grasp. Dr. Hess empathetic awareness of dental fear psychology provides a foundation for a safe conversation about your situation.

WHAT IS DENTAL ANXIETY?

Dental anxiety is the feeling of fear, nervousness, or unease that some individuals experience when faced with the prospect of a dental visit or procedure. It can range from mild unease to full-blown panic attacks. This anxiety can be triggered by the dental environment, sounds, or the thought of treatment, and may affect both children and adults. While common, dental anxiety can lead to delays or avoidance of dental care, which may result in worsened oral health. Thankfully, proper dental anxiety management strategies can help ease concerns and encourage patients to receive necessary care.

HOW COMMON IS DENTAL ANXIETY AND DENTOPHOBIA?

Dental anxiety and its more severe form, dentophobia, are widespread. A systematic review estimated that 15.3% of adults globally experience dental fear and anxiety (DFA), with 12.4% having high DFA and 3.3% suffering from severe DFA. In Lebanon, research indicated that 31.5% of participants experienced dental anxiety, and 22.4% had dental phobia. The prevalence of dental anxiety tends to be higher in women and younger adults, though it can affect anyone. Additionally, certain personality traits and past experiences, including childhood trauma, can make someone more vulnerable to developing these fears.

WHAT DOES A PERSON WITH DENTAL ANXIETY FEAR?

Individuals with dental anxiety often fear pain, discomfort, or the possibility of an unpleasant experience at the dentist’s office. These fears may stem from past dental experiences, a general fear of medical procedures, or even a fear of a loss of control during treatment. Other common fears include the sounds of dental equipment, particularly the drill, and feelings of helplessness or vulnerability while lying back in the dentist’s chair. Understanding and addressing these specific fears with empathetic care can help reduce anxiety.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR DENTAL FEAR?

Dental fear can affect individuals from all walks of life, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing a fear of dental visits. Those most at risk for dental fear include:

• Traumatic dental experiences: Painful or uncomfortable procedures, such as extractions or fillings, can lead to long-term fear.
• Generalized anxiety: Individuals with anxiety disorders are more prone to dental fear.
• Children and young adults: Early negative experiences can lead to fear in adulthood.
• Sensitive teeth: People who experience pain or discomfort due to sensitive teeth or other conditions may develop dental anxiety.
• Family history: Dental anxiety may run in families due to learned behaviors or genetic predispositions.
• Lack of understanding: Lack of knowledge about what dental treatment involves can cause uncertainty and fear. Education and communication from the dentist can help alleviate this.

WHAT TRIGGERS DENTAL ANXIETY?

Various factors can trigger dental anxiety, and they can differ from person to person. Common triggers include:

• Sounds of dental equipment: The sound of dental drills, suction devices, and other machinery can be unsettling for many patients. The high-pitched noise of a dental drill, for instance, can be especially anxiety-inducing for those with dental fear.
• Fear of pain: Many individuals associate dental visits with pain or discomfort. Even the thought of experiencing pain during a procedure, such as a filling or root canal, can trigger anxiety.
• Needles and injections: The sight of needles or the thought of getting a shot for local anesthesia is a common trigger for dental anxiety. Some patients fear the injection process or experience needle phobia.
• Previous negative experiences: A bad experience at the dentist, such as a painful procedure or inadequate pain management, can create lasting fear. The memory of this experience may be triggered by any future dental visits.
• Feeling of helplessness: Being in a vulnerable position while lying in the dentist’s chair can make some individuals feel out of control. The inability to move or communicate effectively during treatment can increase anxiety.
• Fear of judgment: Patients who are self-conscious about the state of their teeth or oral hygiene may fear being judged by their dentist. This fear can prevent them from seeking regular care.
• Claustrophobia: Some individuals experience a fear of confined spaces or a sense of being trapped in the dentist’s chair, which can intensify anxiety during dental visits.

WHAT EXACTLY CAUSES DENTAL ANXIETY?

Several factors can contribute to dental anxiety, including:

• Previous traumatic experiences: A painful or unpleasant dental visit can lead to lasting fear.
• Fear of pain: Even the thought of pain during a procedure, such as a tooth extraction, can cause anxiety.
• Lack of control: Feeling vulnerable or helpless in the dentist’s chair can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
• Embarrassment: People may feel self-conscious about their oral hygiene or the state of their teeth.
• Negative perceptions of dentistry: Media portrayals or stories from others may heighten fears about dental procedures.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DENTAL FEAR?

Symptoms of dental fear, which can be categorized as part of dental anxiety or dentophobia, include:

• Physical symptoms: These may include sweating, dizziness, racing heartbeat, dry mouth, or even fainting in extreme cases.
• Psychological symptoms: These include panic attacks, feelings of dread, difficulty relaxing, and overwhelming worry about upcoming dental appointments.
• Behavioral symptoms: Some people may cancel or delay dental appointments, avoid dental visits altogether, or experience nervousness just thinking about the dentist.

HOW IS DENTAL FEAR DIAGNOSED?

Dentophobia is typically diagnosed through a discussion of the patient’s symptoms and history. A dentist or mental health professional may ask about the individual’s experiences with dental visits and any anxiety symptoms they have experienced. In some cases, formal anxiety assessments, such as the Dental Fear Survey (DFS), may be used to gauge the severity of the phobia. If the anxiety is severe, a referral to a therapist for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other anxiety treatment might be recommended.

WHAT ARE TREATMENTS FOR DENTAL ANXIETY?

Several approaches can help people experience relief:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is often used to help individuals reframe negative thoughts and beliefs surrounding dental visits.
• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety before and during a visit.
• Sedation dentistry: Options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or intravenous (IV) sedation can help patients feel more at ease during procedures.
• Desensitization: Gradually exposing individuals to the dental environment can help reduce fear over time.
• Support and education: Informing patients about procedures and involving them in decisions about their care can give them a sense of control and help alleviate anxiety.

CONTACT US FOR PROFESSIONAL DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH

At Timothy A. Hess, DDS, we understand that there are many reasons people stay away from critically needed dental care. While some are discussed above, you may have your own. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us with your concerns or additional questions on what causes dental anxiety. We look forward to listening to your concerns and helping you discover contemporary dentistry that treats people, not just teeth. Ease dental anxiety today and contact us!

To learn more, read our next article: Leave Dental Fear Behind