DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY AND ENDODONTICS, MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SILESIA, KATOWICE, POLAND.
Wiad Lek. 2024;77(8):1617-1622. doi: 10.36740/WLek202408112.
Dentophobia concerns a substantial portion of the adult population, often leading to avoidance of dental care and subsequent deterioration in oral health. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted nature of odontophobia and examines various non-pharmacological strategies aimed at its management in adult patients. Factors contributing to dentophobia, including past traumatic experiences, feelings of vulnerability, and mistrust in dental professionals, are discussed, highlighting the complex interplay of psychological, physiological, and environmental influences. Novel approaches such as Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy offer promising avenues for systematically desensitising patients to their fears and enhancing treatment acceptance. Aromatherapy utilising essential oils like chamomile, orange, and lavender, as well as dog-assisted therapy, have shown potential in creating calming environments and reducing patient anxiety during dental procedures. Muscle relaxation therapy, biofeedback techniques, and process simulations provide additional tools for addressing the physiological and cognitive aspects of odontophobia. Cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions, including brief sessions focused on cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, demonstrate efficacy in reducing fear of dentists and improving treatment outcomes. By incorporating these diverse non-pharmacological strategies into dental practice, clinicians can enhance patient experiences, increase treatment acceptance and adherence, and ultimately improve oral health outcomes. While these interventions show promising results, further research is needed to refine their implementation, optimize their effectiveness, and ensure accessibility to patients with dentophobia. By addressing the multifaceted nature of dental anxiety and adopting a patient-centred approach, clinicians can provide holistic care, fostering better oral health and overall well-being in their patients.
恐齿症影响着相当一部分成年人，常导致其回避口腔护理，进而使口腔健康恶化。本综述探讨了恐齿症的多面性，并研究了各种针对成年患者的非药物管理策略。文中讨论了导致恐齿症的因素，包括过去的创伤经历、脆弱感和对牙医的不信任，突出了心理、生理和环境影响的复杂相互作用。新方法如虚拟现实暴露疗法为系统脱敏和提高治疗接受度提供了有前途的途径。利用香薰疗法，如使用甘菊、橙和薰衣草精油，以及狗辅助疗法，已显示出在创造平静环境和减轻患者牙科治疗焦虑方面的潜力。肌肉松弛疗法、生物反馈技术和过程模拟为解决恐齿症的生理和认知方面提供了额外的工具。认知行为疗法干预，包括聚焦认知重构和暴露疗法的简短疗程，已被证明可有效减轻对牙医的恐惧并改善治疗结果。通过将这些多样化的非药物策略纳入牙科实践，临床医生可以改善患者体验、提高治疗接受度和依从性，从而最终改善口腔健康结果。尽管这些干预措施显示出有希望的结果，但仍需要进一步研究来完善其实施、优化其效果，并确保恐齿症患者能够获得这些治疗。通过解决牙科焦虑的多面性并采取以患者为中心的方法，临床医生可以提供全面的护理，促进患者的口腔健康和整体幸福感。
