Odontophobia [ō dän′tō-fō′bē ə] noun

1. Odontophobia (aka dental fear, dental phobia, dentophobia, dentist phobia, and dental anxiety) is the fear of dentistry and of receiving dental care.

It is estimated that nearly 15% of all Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety and fear. People with these fears and anxieties are at a much higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues. In fact, people with these issues tend to have lower life expectancies, as poor oral health is linked to disease and life-threatening conditions. Incidences of odontophobia vary from mild to severe and can often manifest as symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling ill, feeling nervous or stressed, and even nausea. For some, their short stay in the waiting room at the dentist’s office can be a horrifying eternity. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, you might be one of the millions of Americans struggling with this debilitating fear or anxiety. However, you shouldn’t let this get in the way of your oral health. One solution is choosing a dentist you can trust. Dr. Peter M. Tomaselli has 23 years of experience that should put your mind at ease. Breathe easy knowing that at Chicago Smile Design, you come first. Years of experience and expertise lead to a stress-free patient experience. Dr Tomaselli is renowned in the Chicago area as a leader in relaxation dentistry and sedation dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Tomaselli’s experience as well as sedation dental techniques, click here. Sit back, relax, and feel assured that our staff is incredibly well-trained. It’ll be over before you know it!   Courtesy of... Gentle Dental http://www.gentledental-mi.com/overcoming-dentophobia-a-fear-of-the-dentist/ Colgate http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-Basics/Checkups-and-Dental-Procedures/The-Dental-Visit/article/What-is-Dental-Anxiety-and-Phobia.cvsp  

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