Dentophobia? It really is a thing. According to the National Institutes of Health about 36% of the population experiences true dental anxiety with another 12% experiencing extreme fear. Dentophobia often leads to dental avoidance—avoiding regular dental check-ups and oral procedures—which can lead to scary dental health problems.
Dental fears can be managed by:
- Discussing your fears with your dentist
- Using a hand signal to let the dentist know you need a break
- Using distractions during your dental visit such as listening to music, a podcast or white noise through headphones
- Practicing deep breathing
- Inquiring about sedation options