As Halloween nears on 31st October, many fear not ghosts but the dentist’s chair. Dental anxiety, or dentophobia, remains one of the UK’s most common phobias, affecting how people care for their teeth. A 2024 Space Dental survey of 2,000 adults found that 52% experience fear or anxiety about dental visits, with women slightly more affected than men. Rates are highest in the East Midlands at 58% and lowest in Yorkshire and the Humber at 48%. The top triggers are fear of pain (48%), drilling sounds (41%), and costs (37%).

Despite major improvements in dental care and pain-free methods, fear continues to deter people from visiting their dentist. The UK Adult Oral Health Survey 2021, which used the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, reported that 11% of adults experience extreme dental anxiety, rising to 22% among those who only attend when problems occur. Younger adults aged 16 to 24 are particularly affected at 14%, compared with 6% among those over 75. Avoiding treatment can lead to serious oral issues, including gum disease and tooth decay, which already affect two-thirds of UK adults.

To help ease these fears, Dr Abdul Dalghous, principal dentist and specialist oral surgeon at Yorkshire Dental Suite in Leeds, shares six evidence-based ways to manage dental anxiety. Dr Dalghous, who holds a Diploma in Conscious Dental Sedation from Newcastle University and leads a practice that recently expanded to Manchester, highlights empathy, communication, and gradual exposure as essential for easing fear.

• Recognise your triggers. Dental anxiety can stem from fear of pain, negative past experiences, or unfamiliarity with procedures. Identifying what causes your discomfort is the first step toward managing it. This aligns with NHS-endorsed cognitive behavioural techniques, which suggest that awareness helps prevent avoidance patterns that worsen oral health.
• Talk openly with your dentist. Informing your dentist about your anxiety allows them to adapt treatment to your comfort level. Many clinics use simple methods such as hand signals for breaks during treatment. Studies show that open communication can reduce anxiety levels by up to 30% during initial appointments.
• Consider sedation dentistry. Sedation can make appointments far less stressful for those with severe anxiety. Intravenous sedation keeps you conscious but deeply relaxed, with little memory of the procedure. It follows General Dental Council guidelines and is safe for most adults.
• Use relaxation strategies. Practising deep breathing, mindfulness, or listening to calming music before and during your appointment can significantly lower stress. Harvard Health research supports these methods, showing they reduce heart rate and perceived discomfort.
• Book a low-pressure consultation. Scheduling a short consultation before any major procedure helps you become familiar with the dental environment and staff. Many practices also offer virtual consultations, which make it easier to take the first step without added stress.
• Bring someone you trust. Having a supportive companion present can reduce anxiety by providing reassurance. This mirrors exposure therapy methods, where gradual support helps reduce fear responses over time.

Avoiding dental care due to fear often leads to preventable problems. Emergency dental visits have risen by 47% in deprived areas, largely due to postponed check-ups. Regular appointments not only protect oral health but also build confidence. As Dr Dalghous notes, “We want everyone to feel confident and relaxed when visiting us. Dental fear is completely normal but, with the right support and care, it’s something you can overcome. Your oral health is important, so don’t let anxiety hold you back from the smile you deserve.”