Odontophobia: overcoming fear of the dentist in adults and children
Your oral health doesn’t have to be scary. Find out how to overcome dental anxiety with professional help.
Odontophobia, or fear of the dentist, is a condition that is more common than we think. It affects a significant percentage of the population – adults and children – and can have a major impact on oral health, as many people avoid going for check-ups or treatment because of fear of pain, fear of instruments or simply because of a previous negative experience.
In this article we look at what odontophobia is, why it occurs, what the consequences are and, most importantly, how to overcome it with professional help, effective techniques and conscious sedation.
What is odontophobia and what causes it?
Odontophobia is an intense and irrational fear of the dentist or dental treatment. Although it may manifest itself in a mild form (nervousness before a visit), in many cases it generates a disabling anxiety that leads to complete avoidance of dental appointments.
Main causes of odontophobia:
- Pasttraumatic experiences with painful treatment or mistreatment.
- Fear of losing control during the procedure.
- Sensitivity to pain or fear of experiencing discomfort.
- Dental instruments and sounds, such as the turbine or the aspirator.
- Psychological factors: social anxiety, negative anticipation or medical phobias.
What are the consequences of avoiding the dentist?
Delaying or avoiding visits to the dentist not only worsens the initial problem, but can also lead to new pathologies:
Plaque and tartar build-up
Even with good hygiene, plaque builds up and can lead to caries, gingivitis or periodontitis, which in turn can lead to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.
Alignment problems and bruxism
Lack of dental control can lead to the development of malocclusions, chewing difficulties and disorders such as bruxism (teeth grinding), causing wear and tear, jaw pain and headaches.
Increased fear and progressive deterioration
The longer you go without going to the dentist, the more fear grows, and the more complex and expensive the necessary treatments become.
Solutions for adults: techniques for overcoming fear of the dentist
1. Communicate your fears
Talk to your dentist openly. An empathetic professional will tailor your treatment and accompany you so that you feel confident every step of the way.
2. Schedule a first appointment without intervention
You can start with a non-treatment assessment visit, just to meet the team, the environment and explain your needs. This significantly reduces anxiety.
3. Practice relaxation techniques
Deep breathing, meditation or positive visualisation before and during the appointment helps to keep calm.
4. Use distractions
Listening to music with headphones, focusing on a point on the ceiling or looking at a screen can help you divert your attention during treatment.
5. Consider conscious sedation
It is a safe and effective option for anxiety-producing procedures. It allows you to be awake but deeply relaxed, without losing the ability to communicate.
6. Seek emotional support
Talk to people you trust or join communities where others share how they overcame their fear. You are not alone.
What about children? Childhood Odontophobia: how to help the little ones
Fear of the dentist also affects many children, especially during their first visits. Although paediatric dentists usually apply playful and age-appropriate techniques, there are cases in which anxiety prevents treatment from progressing.
In more intense situations, specialised clinics such as Emardental, Arcdental or Udemax apply child conscious sedation techniques and, in specific cases, conscious anaesthesia.
Conscious sedation for children
- It is administered via a nasal mask with nitrous oxide and oxygen.
- It has a relaxing and pleasant effect.
- The child remains awake but calm.
- You can choose between pleasant aromas (strawberry, vanilla, chewing gum…).
- It is safe, even for pregnant women.
Conscious anaesthesia
Recommended for children with severe phobia, it allows treatments to be carried out without pain or unpleasant memories, guaranteeing the success of the procedure and the patient’s peace of mind.
Final recommendations: how to take the first step
Overcoming odontophobia is possible. With empathy, planning, and professional support, you can regain confidence and maintain optimal oral health.
At clinics such as Emardental, Udemax and Arcdental, you will find:
- Personalised care for patients with fear or anxiety.
- Minimally invasive treatments.
- Conscious sedation adapted to each case.
- Advanced technology that reduces discomfort.
- A team that understands your emotions and accompanies you.
Are you afraid of the dentist? You are not alone!
Make an appointment at Clinicas Udemax and choose the location that best suits you: Udemax in the outpatient clinics of Policlínica Juaneda, in Arcdental or in Emardental, your clinic in the centre of Palma. For more information, call us on 971 767 521.
