Year: 2025 | Month: July | Volume: 15 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 161-166
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250719
Fearful Smiles: Navigating Dental Phobia and Self-Care Strategies – A Cross Sectional Survey
Sreeja Laguvaram1, Aishwarya2, Shreya S Mangalgi3, Mounica Veggalam4, Vinay Keerthi5, Indiresha H Narayana6, Dinesh Kalasaiah7, Poornima Ramesh8
1,2,3,4,5Final year postgraduate, 6,7,8Associate professor,
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied sciences, Bengaluru, India
Corresponding Author: Dr Indiresha H Narayana
ABSTRACT
Objective: The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of dental phobia and explore the utilization of self-care approaches among affected individuals.
Methods: A cross-sectional virtual survey was conducted, using a validated questionnaire containing 25 questions. The questionnaire assessed demographic variables, dental anxiety levels, self-care behaviours, and factors influencing dental fear. Responses from 550 participants were analysed using SPSS version 22, employing the Chi-square test for statistical significance.
Results: Among the respondents, 31.5% exhibited dental anxiety, while 22.4% reported severe dental phobia. The primary triggers included pain (46.4%), drilling sounds (16.4%), and negative past experiences (15.4%). Self-care strategies commonly employed included over-the-counter analgesics (49.1%), herbal remedies (12.7%), and online tutorials (5.4%). Fear (49.1%) and financial constraints (7.3%) were the main reasons for avoiding professional dental care.
Conclusion: Dental phobia remains a significant barrier to oral healthcare, leading individuals to rely on self-care methods that may not provide adequate or long-term solutions. Psychological interventions, improved patient-dentist communication, and alternative pain management techniques could help mitigate dental anxiety and promote routine dental visits.
Key words: Dental phobia, dental anxiety, self-care, dental fear