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CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809146
Review Article

Etiology of Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia: Review

Agnieszka Piechal
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Warsaw, Poland
,
Edyta Siekierska
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Warsaw, Poland
,
Kamilla Blecharz-Klin 
1   Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Warsaw, Poland
› Author Affiliations
Funding The project was implemented with CePT infrastructure financed by the EU: the European Regional Development Fund within the Operational Programme “Innovative economy” for 2007–2013.
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Abstract

This article examines the etiology of dental anxiety, a common yet often overlooked condition in dental practice. Ranging from mild discomfort to severe dental phobia, dental anxiety significantly affects a patient's ability to receive necessary care. Despite its prevalence, it remains underexplored in scientific research, leading to inadequate treatment and insufficient attention. Understanding the factors behind dental anxiety is crucial for prevention and for providing effective psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions.

The review was based on a comprehensive search of several scientific databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Database, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source. Predefined keywords, such as “Dental Anxiety,” “Dental Phobia,” and “Etiology,” were used to ensure broad coverage of relevant studies. The factors contributing to dental anxiety are multifactorial and involve both internal and external influences. Internal factors, such as genetic predispositions and central nervous system dysfunctions, interact with external influences, including personal experiences, negative past dental encounters, and environmental stimuli. Demographic factors, such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status, along with personal characteristics like temperament and coping mechanisms, further contribute to the development of anxiety.

Previous negative dental experiences and self-reported poor oral health exacerbate anxiety, increasing the likelihood of developing dental phobia, which often results in care avoidance. This avoidance worsens oral health, resulting in conditions such as caries and periodontal disease, and significantly diminishes the quality of life. Addressing dental anxiety is critical for improving patient cooperation and ensuring better long-term oral health outcomes. A more comprehensive understanding of dental anxiety will help identify at-risk patients early, prevent severe forms of dental phobia, and ensure dental care is accessible to all individuals.

In conclusion, dental anxiety is a multifactorial issue that impacts access to dental care and overall oral health. The most significant factor contributing to dental anxiety is trauma associated with previous dental procedures. Expanding the understanding of its causes enables dental professionals to identify at-risk patients and develop tailored interventions. By addressing anxiety early and adopting evidence-based strategies, dental professionals can reduce the prevalence of dental anxiety and improve patient care.

Keywords

dental anxiety - dental phobia - anxiety disorders - patient anxiety - etiology

Declaration of GenAI Use

During the writing process of this paper, the authors used ChatGPT in order to improve the readability and language of the text. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the text and take full responsibility for the content of the paper.


Authors' Contributions

Data collection: K.B.-K., E.S. Drafting the manuscript: E.S., K.B.-K, A.P. Graphic design: K.B.-K. Critical revision of the manuscript: A.P.




Publication History

Article published online:
22 May 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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