Dental Phobia is also known as Odontophobia. It is a more severe condition than anxiety. It leaves people alarmed and scared. A few signs and symptoms related to dental phobia are Signs Of Dental Phobia Increased sweating 1.Tachycardia ( Increased heartbeat ) or Palpitations 2.Low blood pressure and possible fainting 3.or Vomiting 4.Distress or crying 5.Feeling physically ill 6.Extremely nervous while waiting at the dental office 7.Acute uneasiness at the thought of putting instruments 8.inside the mouth during treatment. 9.Trouble sleeping at night a day before a dental appointment CAUSES FOR DENTAL PHOBIA One can suffer from dental phobia and anxiety for many reasons. But the top 6 reasons which I have come across patients are 1. Fear of Pain It is the most common reason for people feeling anxious. It usually develops because of some unpleasant or painful dental experience, especially during early childhood. Also, some adult fears stem due to the “ Dental Horror Stories “others told them. I have heard my patients saying, “ One of my relatives got Root Canal done and later was detected with Cancer, and that is the reason I avoid coming to the dentist.’ or “ Removing wisdom tooth causes the direct effect of eyesight” or “ Extraction of wisdom tooth will lead to swelling, and I will not be able to open my mouth for days.” And I try to explain to them that a root canal, or any other dental treatment, will only help you and not cause any damage. Of course, some rational fear like swelling and pain exist, but medications can manage that. But yes, because of this fear of pain, patients refrain from visiting the dentist. 2. Fear of needles or Injection Many people are terrified of needles. For some people, it's the feeling of getting pricked, especially inside the mouth; for others, just seeing needles can make them anxious. 3. Fear of Anesthetic Effects Some people don't like numbness around their lips or cheek areas. Some people fear the potential side effects of local anesthesia, i.e., nausea, dizziness, fainting, and sometimes permanent numbness of a particular area. 4. Fear of Noise Yes, sometimes drilling teeth can sound similar to drilling machines on the road. But it is not the same. Some patients are terrified of this noise, especially young children. 5. Fear Of Uncaring Dentists Sometimes the pain is more psychological fear rather than physical pain. Even though fear of pain is the primary reason, sometimes the cold and indifferent behavior of od=fe dentists is what many people fear. Patients feel that their pain is often considered insignificant. So pain caused by friendly and compassionate dentists is less likely to be painful than by icy and unreceptive dentists. 6. Fear of Embarrassment Some people feel conscious about their oral odor and teeth appearance. And so they sometimes avoid going to the dentist When I used to work as an associate dentist in one of the clinics, I remember a patient who wouldn’t allow me to have a look or even stand inside the same room while her treatment was going on. When I asked her why, she said, “ I feel ashamed to open my mouth in front of you since I have poor oral health, and I don't feel good about it.” So yes, Patients avoiding or delaying coming to the dentist due to embarrassment is actual. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, VISIT OR CALL US DENTAPEX DENTAL CLINIC, MUTHANALLURU CROSS, ’ MARATHALLI-SARJAPUR ROAD, DOMMASANDRA, BANGALORE. 8369169473.