Dental Anxiety – Main Causes and Overcoming a Phobia

It’s estimated that around 1 in 7 adults have experienced high levels of dental anxiety following a visit to their dentist, with the problem affecting more women than men. Those who suffer from a dental phobia often avoid any appointments for a number of years and this type of anxiety will usually result in a deterioration of oral health.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

The reasons behind why a person might develop dental anxiety will differ depending on the individual, but it’s often thought this type of worry will be focused around negative childhood memories. Bad experiences at the dentist as a child may trigger a nervousness around the subject, based on a painful ordeal or the unpleasant smell, for example. Other causes may include a phobia of needles in the mouth, the sound of a dental drill or the uncertainty of having someone so close to you during the treatment.

How to Overcome your Fear

• Thankfully, more and more dentists are understanding towards their patients’ fears, so the first step to banishing your phobia is to book an appointment.
• Additionally, you should consult your dentist about what you’re feeling worried about. Explain you would like to feel in control of the situation, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
• Book an early morning slot so it’s over and done with as soon as possible. You could also think of bringing a friend for moral support!

Dental Anxiety Caused by Negligence

Unfortunately, many dental negligence cases we deal with can result in some form of anxiety following on from a distressing experience. If you feel you have suffered from a bad ordeal at the dentist, the cause may not be anxiety, but in fact malpractice. For more information, contact our team on Freephone 0800 0853 823 to discuss your case.