Westcoast International Dental Clinic Vietnam

Dental Phobia: 10 Reasons Why People are Terrified of the Dentist

Dental Phobia Understanding and Addressing the Root Causes of Fear in Dental Care

Dental Fear

Dental phobia is a widespread and serious problem that prevents many people from seeking the dental care they need. The first step to understanding the root of this fear is to understand the root causes of this fear. People can develop dental phobia for these ten common reasons.

1. Fear of Pain

The most common reason for dental phobia is the fear of experiencing pain. Human beings are motivated to be free of pain. This fear often originates from past negative dental experiences or a general apprehension associated with discomfort. Modern dentistry, however, offers many pain-free treatment options, and dentists are typically very understanding and responsive to patients’ pain thresholds. In our clinics in Vietnam, minimizing pain or the perception of pain is paramount if providing a good experience to patients.

2. Fear of the Unknown

Uncertainty about what dental procedures involve makes people anxious. Those grappling with dental phobia often worry about the unfamiliar sensations they might face in the dental chair. Educating patients about what to expect during their visit can significantly alleviate these fears. Often continuous explanations during every step of the procedure can help calm patients who really what to know what is going on.

3. Fear of Needles

There is a widespread phobia of needles. The anticipation of injections during dental treatments can cause stress for many patients. Dentists can address this fear by using numbing gels or discussing alternative methods of anesthesia. Another way is dentists should hide the needle from view which is often a trigger point for stress for many adults and children.

4. Fear of Embarrassment

Concerns about the state of one’s teeth or gums can lead to substantial embarrassment. This includes fear of judgment or shame from the dentist. It can prevent people from seeking help even when they desperately need it. At Westcoast, we have a philosophy to never to shame or to make any patient feel embarrassed of their dental situation.

5. Fear of Loss of Control

The sensation of helplessness while sitting in the dentist’s chair can be a powerful trigger for anxiety. Dentists can mitigate this fear by explaining each step of the process and giving patients more control over their treatment and allow raising their hand to stop immediately when a patient wants to stop for any reason

6. Fear of Choking

Worrying about choking on dental instruments or materials is another factor contributing to dental anxiety. Clear communication and reassurance from the dental team can help ease these fears. With water, tools and saliva all over the place, some patients find too much is going on in a small airway space. It’s important to give patients the ability to regulate what and how much is happening during the treatment course.

7. Fear of Negative Judgment

People with dental phobia can feel ashamed or embarrassed about the condition of their teeth. This can increase their reluctance to seek dental care. This is related to the above Fear of Embarrassment and it is very common when patients actually know the dentist personally and do not want to share their personal dental health history with someone they know.

8. Fear of Cost

The potential high cost of dental care can deter people, especially those who think they cannot afford the necessary treatments. Many dental clinics offer various payment plans and options to make dental care more accessible. Finding a lower cost yet quality dental clinic is possible now with Dental Tourism and especially with our clinics Westcoast International.

9. Past Bad Experiences

Prior negative experiences with dentists can lead to a profound mistrust and avoidance of future dental care. This avoidance can create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. There are techniques and counseling to break this cycle. It starts with finding a compassionate and caring dental team.

10. Sensory Sensitivities

Sensitivity to the sensory aspects of the dental environment can make relaxing during appointments challenging for those with dental anxiety. This includes sights, sounds, and smells, among other aspects. A calm and soothing environment can help alleviate these sensitivities. Many people have phobias to dental treatment that are sensory in nature. It could be the smell of disinfectant, the smell of gloves or the bitter taste of anesthetic that they remembered as a child that reignites the fear of going to the dentist.

Overcoming dental phobia is crucial for maintaining oral health. At Westcoast International Dental Clinic, we understand these fears and provide a comfortable and empathetic environment to reassure anxious patients. Our team has the appropriate training to help patients manage their dental phobia. We ensure they receive the care they need in a supportive setting.

If you’re struggling with dental phobia, remember that there are effective ways to manage and overcome these fears. This control is essential to maintain your dental health. Contact our team at Westcoast International Dental Clinic and let our compassionate and skilled team support you through your dental journey.