Stomatophobia: why is it so scary to go to the dentist and how to overcome fear

For many people, a visit to the dentist is associated with anxiety and fear. Just thinking about it makes your pulse race, and your imagination conjures up sterile rooms with the characteristic smell of medicines. This fear has its roots in the past, when painkillers were far from perfect and dental procedures caused discomfort. However, modern technologies and high-quality anesthesia have made dental treatment comfortable and painless. To get rid of anxiety, it is important to change perceptions: trust professionals, choose a modern clinic with a friendly atmosphere and remember that taking care of dental health is a step towards a beautiful and confident smile.

What is stomatophobia?

The fear of going to the dentist is a common problem that causes people to postpone treatment, which only makes the situation worse. Stomatophobia is an irrational, but sometimes very strong fear of dental procedures caused by emotional experiences, negative experiences or psychological characteristics of a person. Even the simplest manipulations can cause panic reactions in such patients, including loss of consciousness.

Overcoming this fear requires not just determination, but also the right approach. It is important to determine its nature, understand the causes of anxiety and find an effective way to deal with it, whether it is consulting a psychologist or choosing a modern clinic with a comfortable environment.

The main types of stomatophobia

Depending on the origin and symptoms, stomatophobia can be divided into three types:

Congenital stomatophobia

This type is the least common and is the most difficult to correct. It is based on a deep fear of medical interventions in general, from simple examinations to serious procedures. A person with this feature experiences anxiety not only in the dental office, but also in any contact with doctors.

Acquired stomatophobia

It most often develops after a negative treatment experience, painful tooth extraction, or unsuccessful dental intervention. People with such fear are aware of its causes, but they cannot always overcome anxiety on their own. In this case, gradual therapy, the selection of a competent specialist and the realization that modern technologies allow you to treat teeth without pain help.

Imaginary stomatophobia

It is most often found in children who, having never visited a doctor, are already afraid of procedures because of the scary stories they have heard. However, such a fear is easily overcome - the first positive experience in a cozy clinic with caring staff is enough. In adults, this type of stomatophobia can occur after a long break from visiting the dentist, when anxiety is fueled by the unknown.

How to overcome the fear of the dentist: effective methods of combating stomatophobia

Fear of the dentist is not just a childish whim or whim. This is a real psychological problem that prevents millions of people from taking timely care of their teeth and gums. Panicking before going to the clinic can lead to serious consequences: people suffer toothache, ignore the symptoms of diseases, bringing the situation to a critical state.

However, stomatophobia can and should be overcome. Modern methods help to cope with anxiety and make going to the doctor comfortable. In this article, we will analyze effective ways to combat fear, including medical approaches, psychological techniques, and folk remedies.

Why are people afraid of dentists?

Before looking for a solution, it is important to understand the causes of fear. Stomatophobia can develop for several reasons:

• Negative experiences in the past - painful treatment in childhood or unsuccessful tooth extraction can leave psychological trauma.
• Fear of pain - despite modern painkillers, many people still have a subconscious belief that dental procedures are painful.
• The fear of losing control, the need to lie in a chair without seeing what the doctor is doing, can cause anxiety.
• Smells, sounds, associations - for some people, the specific smell of antiseptics and the sound of a drill are triggers of anxiety.
• Social fears of dental embarrassment and fear of being judged by a doctor can also be a reason for postponing a visit.
• Identifying the source of a phobia is the first step towards overcoming it.

Medical methods for overcoming fear of the dentist

If the fear reaches a panic level, the usual persuasion and rational arguments do not work. In this case, it is necessary to use medical methods.

1. Drug therapy

For people with severe anxiety, they can be used:

• Sedatives - mild sedatives based on herbs (valerian, motherwort, novopassit);
• Anxiolytics - stronger drugs to reduce anxiety (taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor);
• Light sleeping pills are sometimes used before complex procedures.

Important! Any medications should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

2. Sedation and anesthesia

Modern clinics offer two options that allow the patient to relax:

• Light sedation - the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) helps to relieve anxiety and create a sense of calm;
• Anesthesia is used in difficult cases when the patient cannot be persuaded to receive treatment consciously.

Psychological techniques to combat stomatophobia

In addition to medical care, psychological training plays an important role.

1. Gradual habituation

If the fear is strong, start small:

• Go to the clinic just to see the situation;
• Make an appointment for a consultation, but not for treatment.
• Talk to your doctor and discuss a treatment plan.

2. Visualization and breathing techniques

Imagine sitting quietly in an armchair, feeling comfortable and confident. During the visit, use deep breathing: inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for 3 seconds and exhale through your mouth.

3. Talking to a doctor

Choose a dentist who knows how to work with anxious patients. Discuss your fears and ask them to explain each action.

Folk remedies for soothing before a visit to the dentist

Herbal medicine can be used to reduce anxiety. Herbal infusions help to relax and calm down before taking it.

The most effective plants to combat fear:

• Chamomile is a mild sedative, relieves stress and nervous tension.
• Motherwort reduces anxiety and stabilizes the heart rate.
• St. John's wort improves mood, helps to cope with panic.
• Lavender relaxes and reduces blood pressure.
• Mint refreshes and soothes the nervous system.
• Oregano has a mild sedative effect.
• Valerian is a powerful remedy for anxiety.
• Ginseng helps fight fatigue and stress.
• Hops normalize sleep, help calm down.
• Hawthorn improves heart function, reduces anxiety.

How to take herbs?

It is recommended to brew tea or make infusions 10-14 days before a visit to the dentist.

A simple recipe for soothing infusion:

• 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile;
• 1 teaspoon mint;
• 1/2 teaspoon motherwort.
Pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes and drink before going to bed.

Additional tips for reducing fear

• Choose a comfortable time for a visit - morning reception reduces waiting time and anxiety.
• Find your dentist. Trust in the doctor plays a key role.
• Don't read negative reviews - focus on positive stories.
• Use headphones to distract yourself with your favorite music.
• Come with support - if it makes you feel better, take a friend or relative with you.

Psychological attitude

1. Realize that fear is normal, but you can manage it

Fear of the dentist is one of the most common phenomena. Many people experience anxiety before visiting a clinic, and this is completely natural. However, it is important to understand that modern dentistry is very different from what it was even 20-30 years ago. Modern treatment methods make it possible to carry out all procedures as painlessly and comfortably as possible.

2. Find your doctor, and with him the fear will recede

If you had a negative experience in the past, it could leave an imprint and form fear. But not all dentists are the same, and your attitude to treatment depends on the choice of a doctor.

How do you know if a doctor is right for you?

• He listens to you carefully and takes into account your fear.
• Explains each step of the procedure in detail so that you feel in control of the situation.
• It doesn't rush you and gives you time to adapt to the chair.
• Uses a gentle approach and modern methods of anesthesia.

The Smile Factor Clinic employs specialists who know how to create a relaxing atmosphere. You will be able to feel calm and confident knowing that the doctor takes your emotions into account.

3. Tune in for a positive result - it works

Our brain is designed in such a way that fear increases if we focus on negative thoughts. The more you think about possible unpleasant sensations, the more anxious you become. Instead, try to visualize a positive outcome.: