Why do people fear going to the dentist so much?

1. 69

   sharing the skyposted 13 years ago

   Why do people fear going to the dentist so much?
   
   I'm sure this is very subjective but there seems to be preponderance of this notion that going to the dentist is like, well, pulling teeth for so many (pun intended).
   
   For me, I always had more trepidation going to the doctor than making a trip to the dentist. Then again, I have been blessed with very healthy, straight teeth.

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2. 61

   Daffy Duckposted 13 years ago

   When was the last time you got good news at the dentist?

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3. 60

   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   I'm convinced it has to do with the fact they are hovering over your face and feel out of control.  I keep thinking whatever they are doing wouldn't bother me at all if they were doing it to my leg or foot.  But the fact that they are in your face is overwhelming to me.

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4. 60

   thedentistsposted 12 years ago

   Generally fear of dentists is linked to two things: the sound of drills, and potential pain in your mouth. A lot of people have more of a fear of the sound than the actual pain. Unfortunately some of this irrational fear has also been spread by movies like Little Shop of Horrors (similar to why people stopped swimming in the sea for a while after watching Jaws).

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