It is sometimes related toiatrophobia, or fear of doctors, as well astrypanophobia, or fear of needles.
Dentophobia may be mild or severe, and can eventually lead to serious health issues.
Others are prone to decay and gum disease, no matter how frequently they brush and floss.
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If you are not one of the lucky few, dentophobia can have real consequences in your life.
Tooth decay worsens over time.
In some cases, dental problems can cause infection.
Failure to treat the infection could cause it to spread, causing medical illness.
Infected tissues also hurt, so pain is not an uncommon effect of dentophobia.
There are also interpersonal implications to poor dental health.
In the modern world, we are expected to have clean, healthy, shiny teeth.
If yours become broken and rotted due to decay and neglect, you might experience social stigma.
It may become more difficult to get certain jobs.
Dating might be impacted and things could even become awkward amongst your friends and family.
This can lead toisolation, depression, social anxiety, and even social withdrawal.
Once your phobia is at a manageable level, you will be able to visit the dentist.
However, it is important to choose the right dentist.
Nonetheless, not all dentists use the same methods and techniques to assist patients with phobias.
It is always acceptable to schedule an initial consultation without a full exam and workup.
Talk to your dentist about the availability of sedatives that will allow you to sleep through the dental procedure.
Some dentists offer these devices or have televisions or even virtual reality systems.
These items can distract you and help you relax.
Dentophobia is a common and treatable phobia.
Untreated, however, it can lead to a range of physical difficulties.
Finding a dentist that you fully trust is worth the effort.
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