Part 6/7:
While many people dislike visiting the dentist, for some, the fear is debilitating. Dentophobia, or severe dental anxiety and fear, can lead individuals to avoid necessary dental care altogether. An analysis published in 2021 estimated that 3.3% of the global population suffers from severe dental anxiety.
Past traumatic experiences can heavily influence this fear. For example, individuals who had painful or non-consensual procedures as children may carry trauma into adulthood, leading to experiences like those shared by individuals who still tremble at the thought of a dental appointment.