The fear of going to the dentist is a universal phenomenon, as most people suffer from some sort of anxiety prior to a dental appointment. In fact, some people are so perturbed by the thought of exposing their teeth that they don’t even make it to their appointment. While it may be completely irrational, dentophobia is a legitimate fear that prevents many a sane person from visiting the dentist.
Of course, modern dentistry has come a long way from its rather barbaric beginnings thanks to a myriad of technological advancements. Gone are the days of someone holding you down while a rotten tooth gets yanked out using a pair of pliers and no anaesthetic. Yikes! In short, dentists have done a lot to try and improve their reputation and make us feel more comfortable in their presence. Just think about the calming music, comfy padded chair, hi-tech screens, generally pain-free processes and light-hearted small talk.
That said, I will never understand why dentists insist on asking you an endless stream of questions when it’s virtually impossible to answer them in an articulate manner. With your mouth wide open, and various implements and suction devices installed in the void, it’s rather hard to do anything besides mumble like a moron and grunt. But, I suppose, this rather tricky and frustrating task of attempting to talk without moving your mouth may just be another way for dentists to distract you – and a rather ingenious technique it is too!
Yet, no matter how much they try to put us at ease, there is still that foreboding possibility that we may not make it out of the dentist’s chair unharmed – and it’s this very prospect that fuels our so-called irrational fear.
It’s true that I’ve never personally had a bad experience at a dentist – and I always make it out alive. So, I have no legitimate reason to be afraid. But… I’ve heard the stories! Yes, in this modern day and age, there are still people with horror stories to tell. We’ve all heard accounts of dentists mistakenly pulling out the wrong tooth or struggling to pull out a tooth, anaesthetics that haven’t kicked in, teeth cracking or breaking, and people almost passing out. Everyone knows someone who has suffered the kind of fate, which we inherently dread.
Besides, even if we are unharmed, there is still the indignity of the process. No one likes to have to “open wide” while someone comments on the upkeep of your teeth. Not to mention that, for some unknown reason, you seem to salivate far more than usual when you go to the dentist. This is rather embarrassing even if they use suction. Honestly, the process is just a little too up close and personal, if you ask me.
Naturally, dentists are an unavoidable necessity and – it should be stated for the record – they do far more good than harm. If prevention is better than cure, then there is a lot to be said for making regular trips to the dentist. Furthermore, I’m sure the agony of living with toothache or an abscess far outweighs the momentary discomfort caused by a bit of dental work.
Nevertheless, as long as dentists continue to drill, hammer, chip, extract, fill and brace, we will view them more as miners than as gentle tooth fairies. It’s a simple fact. So, while modern dentistry may have made significant advances, it inevitably has a long way to go before it loses its stigma. Yes, dental anxiety may be totally irrational, but when you consider the basis for this fear, it’s no wonder dentists spend most of their time reminding us to brush and floss, because they know we won’t be coming back anytime soon.
Audrey Whyte 
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