There are many common phobias that people suffer from, with heights, spiders and flying being among the most familiar. But dentophobia – a fear of dentists – can be one of the most troubling.
Whereas you don’t have to climb up a tall building and peer out of the window, or travel by air, dodging the dentist can have some serious consequences for your oral health. Not only will your teeth and gums suffer, but in some instances a chance to diagnose oral cancers could be missed.
The worst problem could be that if you do shy away, things could get so bad that you suddenly need emergency dental treatment, but find yourself paralysed with fear at the prospect.
A recent survey by Space Dental showed how prevalent fear of the dentist is. A survey of patients in cities across the UK revealed that the most fearful place was Southampton, where 62 per cent were scared. This was followed by 61 per cent in Newcastle and Brighton & Hove.
At the opposite end of the scale, only 40 per cent of respondents in Liverpool and Oxford were afraid of the dentist, followed by 43 per cent in Norwich.
Pain was the most commonly cited issue, raised by 48 per cent, followed by 41 per cent worried about drilling and 37 per cent by the cost.
However, patients will need to overcome this to maintain their oral health. In some cases, it may make sense to see a therapist to overcome the phobia if it is extremely severe.
Many people are troubled by some associated phobias, such as trypanophobia, a fear of needles, although this only affects ten per cent of the population, so it won’t be the most common reason for avoiding the dentist’s chair, not least as most appointments won’t require the use of an anaesthetic injection.
If you can find a way to defeat your dental phobia – including talking to a dentist about your anxiety – it will help you no end, whether you are having a regular appointment or emergency treatment.