If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race, you’re not alone. This article explores why dental anxiety is so common and how to approach it with more care.
By Sergio Toledo
Editor-in-Chief, Heed to Heal
Introduction
For many people, the idea of going to the dentist brings an immediate sense of dread. It could be the sound of the tools, the fear of pain, or the helplessness of lying back in a chair while someone works inside your mouth. Even when you know it’s routine and safe, something about it feels deeply uncomfortable. And for some, it feels almost impossible.
Dental fear is far more common than people talk about. In some cases, it’s mild discomfort or avoidance. In others, it becomes a full-blown phobia that interferes with someone’s ability to care for their health. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, your experience is valid. This fear is not just “in your head.” It has roots in memory, vulnerability, and the unique way your nervous system responds to perceived threat.
This article is here to help you feel less alone in that fear. Whether your anxiety about dental visits has been with you for years or is just starting to show up, there are ways to explore it with compassion. You deserve to care for your health without being overwhelmed by fear. And understanding where that fear comes from is the first step.
Why Dental Fear Is So Common
Unlike many other health-related experiences, visiting the dentist can feel physically and emotionally intrusive. You are often unable to speak, move, or express discomfort in the usual ways. This sense of powerlessness, even in a safe environment, can trigger a strong emotional response. It taps into a part of the brain that wants control and predictability, especially in vulnerable situations.
For some people, the fear begins in childhood. One painful or uncomfortable dental experience can leave a lasting imprint. Others may have grown up around caregivers who spoke anxiously about dental visits, and that fear was learned by observing it. Even portrayals of dentists in media often reinforce the idea that it’s a place to be feared rather than trusted.
Additionally, the mouth is a sensitive and personal area of the body. The act of having someone work inside it can stir feelings of embarrassment or shame. Some people avoid appointments because they are afraid of being judged for their dental hygiene. Others fear they won’t be able to handle bad news about their health. These emotional layers make dental anxiety more than just a fear of drills. It becomes a fear of vulnerability and judgment.
When Fear Becomes a Phobia
While many people dislike going to the dentist, dental phobia is something more intense. It can cause panic, nausea, sweating, and even crying at the thought of making an appointment. Some individuals go years without a visit, not because they don’t care, but because the emotional cost feels too high. This isn’t laziness or neglect. It’s fear taking over.
Dental phobia can stem from trauma, sensory sensitivity, or a history of feeling unsafe in medical environments. People with anxiety disorders, PTSD, or neurodivergent traits may find the experience especially overwhelming. Bright lights, loud sounds, unfamiliar tools, and the loss of control can all combine to create an environment that feels more threatening than it is meant to be.
Understanding that this is a real phobia—not an overreaction—can be deeply validating. Naming it allows people to seek care that acknowledges their needs. There are dentists who specialize in treating patients with anxiety and who create calm, gentle environments that respect emotional comfort as much as physical care. If fear has kept you away, it is not too late to start again slowly.
Moving Forward without Shame
If you’ve avoided the dentist out of fear, you are not alone. What matters is not how long it has been, but how you choose to care for yourself moving forward. That care might begin with a conversation. You can call a dental office and let them know about your fear ahead of time. You can ask questions and express your concerns without needing to justify them. A compassionate provider will understand.
You can also take small steps. Visit the office just to see the space. Sit in the waiting room without committing to a full appointment. Bring someone with you if that helps. Some people find comfort in using headphones, calming breathing techniques, or holding something familiar in their hands. These small choices can help you stay grounded when the experience begins to feel overwhelming.
Above all, try not to carry shame. Fear does not make you irresponsible or weak. It makes you human. Take things at your own pace and ask for help if it feels right. You are worthy of care, even if your fear feels bigger than your words can explain. Healing begins not when the fear disappears, but when you are met with patience and understanding. That includes the way you speak to yourself.
References
- American Dental Association. (2023). Dental Anxiety and Fear: What You Need to Know
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Phobias and Anxiety Disorders
- Harvard Health. (2021). How to Overcome Fear of the Dentist
Originally published by Heed to Heal, 10.06.2025, under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.
