Odontophobia is the fear of going to the dentist. It is an irrational fear of dental care, in which even the thought of a dentist can bring on intense anxiety or panic. However, understanding the fear better for those who have Odontophobia can provide much-needed relief.
Odontophobia can cause increased stress, sweaty palms, and a racing heartbeat. In extreme cases, those suffering from this fear avoid the dentist altogether, leading to more significant oral health concerns.
It’s possible to have an underlying fear of the potential pain associated with dental exams and procedures or of being judged for one’s oral health.
In some cases, patients can experience a heightened sensory awareness from being in a professional environment, causing further anxiety.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, such as self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to withstand the thought of visiting the dentist.
Individual experiences can depend on family history, personal experience, peer pressure, dental-related checkups, and trauma.
Odontophobia is more than a fear of needles or other medical tools and can be debilitating.
Many patients with Odontophobia can manage their fear by discussing potential outcomes before treatments, seeking professional help, and establishing trust with dentists.
Untreated cases of Odontophobia may lead to further oral problems such as tooth decay, infection, and gum disease.
It is also important to note that other phobias are related to dental care, such as trypanophobia, the fear of needles, and gephyrophobia, the fear of bridges, tunnels, or other enclosed spaces.
It is possible to seek professional help to confront this fear and create successful and comfortable visits to the dentist.
