Dental fear

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Dentophobia)

Figure_1_Vicious_cycle_of_dental_fear.jpg

Dental fear, also known as dental anxiety or dentophobia, is a common condition characterized by an intense fear or anxiety related to visiting the dentist or receiving dental care. This fear can range from mild unease to severe phobia, leading to avoidance of dental visits and potentially compromising oral health.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Dental fear can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Previous traumatic experiences: Negative past experiences with dental procedures can lead to fear and anxiety.
  • Pain: Fear of pain is a significant factor contributing to dental anxiety.
  • Loss of control: The feeling of helplessness or lack of control during dental procedures can trigger anxiety.
  • Embarrassment: Concerns about the condition of one's teeth or oral hygiene can cause embarrassment and fear of judgment.
  • Fear of needles: The fear of injections or needles used in dental procedures can contribute to dental anxiety.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Individuals with dental fear may exhibit a range of symptoms, such as:

Impact on Oral Health[edit | edit source]

Dental fear can lead to the avoidance of dental visits, resulting in:

Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]

Several strategies can help manage and treat dental fear, including:

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD