An estimated 25 percent of the UK population experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. Being afraid of dental treatment or in more intense cases, Dental Phobia, is more common than many people realise; it’s just that most people don’t like to talk about it.
It might be that you have a fear of needles and injections, so you’re fearful of dental treatment as well. Or perhaps you’ve experienced painful dental treatment in the past. Dental phobia often starts as a result of a bad experience during a dental appointment and it’s not uncommon for people to feel trapped and not in control in the dentist’s chair, especially if they can’t see what’s going on or don’t know what will happen next.
Common causes of dental phobia
Past experiences
Negative or painful experiences, especially from childhood, can often leave a lasting impression years later.
Fear of pain
If you’ve experienced painful visits to the dentist in the past, the expectation of pain can be overwhelming; even with modern dental treatment which is aimed to minimise discomfort.
Loss of control
Being in the dentist’s chair can make some people feel vulnerable and helpless which increases anxiety.
Embarrassment
The intimate nature of dental exams can make some people feel self conscious about their oral health.
Sensory triggers
The sights, sounds and smells of a dental surgery can be a significant cause of stress for some people.
For some people, the fear of going to the dentist is so severe that they avoid it altogether. The thought of having their mouth and teeth examined, discovering that they may need treatment, or fears about what may happen during a dental appointment, can be so severe that total avoidance seems like a much better option. The problem with this is that it can often result in more treatment being required further down the line than if they attended regular dental appointments, so the very thing they were trying to avoid often ends up being necessary.
Sometimes fears are based on experiences from a long time ago and we hold onto those fears to keep us safe and prevent us from experiencing the same things again. However, the chances are that a lot has changed since the negative experience(s) originally happened and the good news is that there are a variety of things that can help you to overcome your fears.
Overcoming dental phobia
Communication
Discussing your fears with the dentist can help to create a more comfortable experience as they can often tailor their approach to help with specific anxieties.
Relaxation Techniques
Breathing exercises, meditation, self hypnosis and other relaxation strategies can help to calm nerves before and during appointments.
Gradual Exposure
Also known as desensitisation, slowing acclimatising yourself through shorter visits and taking things in smaller, more manageable steps can help to build your confidence.
Therapy
Talking therapies such as Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you to overcome dental phobia by enabling you to change unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns and replace them with calmer, more helpful ones. Hypnotherapy can also help you to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety during dental appointments by working with your subconscious mind to change the way you feel about past experiences and feel more positive about future ones.
The things that will help you to overcome your fear will depend on your individual situation. By understanding what has caused your fear and exploring the various options available, it is possible to leave your fears in the past. Overcoming dental phobia can take time and patience, but with the right approach and support, it’s entirely achievable.
If you’re ready to overcome your fear, more information about hypnotherapy and talking therapies is available on my website. You can also check out the frequently asked questions page or get in touch for further information.
Wondering what hypnosis feels like?
Listen to my free Deep Relaxation Hypnosis download using the SoundCloud Media Player. A variety of hypnotherapy audio downloads are also available to purchase from my website here.
