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Dental phobia may better be defined as an extreme and persistent fear which results in the individual's avoidance of attending a dentist at all costs, unless possibly when a physical problem becomes overwhelming. Even thinking or hearing about going to the dentist will cause marked Psychological Distress , and the phobia may interfere with social functioning.

According to the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), dental phobia (which may also be referred to as odontophobia, '''dentophobia''', '''dentist phobia''', or '''dental anxiety''') is one of the specific phobias. The diagnostic criteria of specific phobia include

  • a marked and persistent fear of the specific object or situation that is excessive or unreasonable,

  • an immediate anxiety response upon exposure to the feared stimulus, which may take the form of a panic attack,

  • recognition that the fear is excessive or unreasonable,

  • avoidance of the anxiety-producing situation,

  • the phobia interferes with normal functioning or causes marked distress.



SIGNS OF DENTAL PHOBIA


  • Trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam

  • Feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the dental office waiting room

  • Crying or feeling physically ill at the very thought of visiting the dentist

  • Intense uneasiness at the thought of, or actually when objects are placed in your mouth during the dental appointment or suddenly feeling like it is difficult to breathe



CAUSES


Dental phobia is most commonly caused by Traumatic dental experiences, although there can be other causes as well. A possible cause may include having bad teeth and being completely aware of it. Children are often influenced by their parents' fears and attitudes towards dental treatment.

Dental phobia may involve:
  • Fear of dentists

  • Fear of dental procedures

  • Fear of pain

  • Fear of injections or fear the injection won’t work

  • Fear of anesthetic side effects

  • Feelings of helplessness and loss of control


And other objects and situations which remind the sufferer of the phobic situation. The Dentist's Drill is often a major factor in these fears.


PREVALENCE


No reliable figures regarding the prevalence of dental phobia are available, but estimates from various studies suggest that between 5 and 15% of the population in Western Countries avoid dental care due to fear.


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