Dental anxiety is extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Find out what help is available and how to make your dental visits as comfortable as possible.
Dental anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease specifically related to dental visits or dental treatment. It is very common — research suggests that around 1 in 4 adults in the UK experience some level of dental anxiety, with approximately 1 in 8 reporting high or extreme anxiety, and around 1 in 10 avoiding the dentist altogether because of it.
Dental anxiety exists on a spectrum — from mild nervousness before an appointment, right through to severe dental phobia where the thought of visiting the dentist causes significant distress.
If you feel anxious about dental treatment, you are far from alone, and there is a great deal that your dental team can do to help. Please do not let anxiety stop you from getting the care you need.
What causes dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety often develops from a combination of factors:
A previous difficult or painful experience — a bad treatment experience, especially in childhood, is one of the most common causes.
Fear of pain — many people are anxious about whether dental treatment will hurt.
Fear of loss of control — lying in a chair with someone working inside your mouth can feel very vulnerable.
Feeling embarrassed about the condition of your teeth — particularly if a long period has passed since your last visit.
Anxiety about needles or the sound and sensation of dental equipment.
General anxiety — people with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience dental anxiety too.
Hearing negative stories from friends or family about their dental experiences.
How dental anxiety affects your oral health
Avoiding the dentist because of anxiety often leads to a difficult cycle:
Problems are not caught early, so they become more serious.
When you do eventually attend, more extensive (and potentially more uncomfortable) treatment is needed.
This reinforces the fear, making it even harder to attend next time.
Breaking this cycle is possible, and your dental team is there to help you do it — not to judge you for the time that has passed or the state of your teeth.
How we can help you
A good dental team will take your anxiety seriously and tailor your care accordingly. There are several strategies that can help:
Tell us how you feel — letting your dentist know that you are anxious is the most important first step. We cannot support you well if we do not know.
Agree a signal — many dentists use a simple hand signal (such as raising your hand) to indicate that you need a break. Knowing you can stop at any time can help you feel more in control.
Local anaesthetic — modern local anaesthetics are very effective. Most treatment should be pain-free once the area is numb. Your dentist will make sure you are thoroughly comfortable before starting.
Explain as you go — ask your dentist to explain each step before doing it, so there are no surprises.
Music or podcasts — bring earphones and listen to something you enjoy.
Shorter, more frequent appointments — breaking treatment into smaller steps can make it feel more manageable.
Relative analgesia (inhalation sedation / "happy gas") — breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nosepiece creates a relaxed, calm feeling. You remain fully conscious and able to communicate, but feel much less anxious. This is particularly well-suited to people with mild to moderate anxiety.
IV (intravenous) conscious sedation — a sedative medicine is given through a small needle in the back of your hand. You remain conscious but feel deeply relaxed and are unlikely to remember much of the treatment. Used for more significant anxiety or complex procedures.
General anaesthesia — for very severe phobia or complex treatment needs, dentistry can be carried out under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.
Psychological approaches that can help
Longer-term strategies for managing dental anxiety include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — highly effective for phobias including dental phobia. Your GP can refer you, or CBT is available privately.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques — slow breathing and focused relaxation before and during appointments can reduce anxiety significantly.
Gradual exposure — starting with a no-treatment visit just to look around and meet the team, then building up slowly to more involved treatment.
Self-help resources — the British Dental Health Foundation and NHS websites have excellent resources for people with dental anxiety.
Taking the first step
If you have been avoiding the dentist for a long time, making that first call can feel very hard. Here are some suggestions:
Tell the receptionist you are anxious when you call to book — a good practice will note this and ensure you see a dentist with experience in anxious patients.
Consider booking a consultation appointment first — no treatment, just a chance to talk and be examined in a low-pressure environment.
Bring someone with you for support if that helps.
Choose a morning appointment if possible — the anxiety of waiting throughout the day can be worse than the appointment itself.
We understand that taking this step takes courage. Our goal is to make you feel safe, heard, and cared for throughout your dental journey.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks and treatment specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
References
Aligned with guidance from: NICE, SDCEP, FGDP(UK).