For many people, a visit to the dentist can be frightening or even terrifying. Many dentally fearful people will only seek dental care when they have a dental emergency, such as a toothache or dental abscess. Those with dental anxiety will have a sense of uneasiness when it’s time for their appointments. They’ll have exaggerated or unfounded worries or fears.
There are a variety of reasons you might have a fear of the dentist and feel anxious about getting dental treatment. Here are the most common reasons:
- A fear about specific procedures (such as fillings) causing dental pain
- The intimacy of a check-up and feeling of loss of control
- Being scolded about the state of your oral health
- A negative past experience at the dentist
- The sterile smell and the clinical environment
- Phobia about needles
