Fears and phobias are complex and are not always easy to understand, but in many cases, there are discernible underlying causes that contribute to the development of an irrational fear. Possible causes of dentophobia include: • Family History — The risk of having a phobia increases if the individual has a parent or family member with a phobic disorder or anxiety disorder. • Feeling Embarrassed — Some people may feel strange about a dentist or hygienist being so close to their face; other common concerns include the state of one’s teeth and bad breath. • Feeling Helpless — The experience of lying in a chair, immobile and mouth agape with tools prodding around can cause a person to feel like they are not in control, which is a significant determining factor when it comes to phobias. • Mimicry — Hearing someone talk about their fear of dentists can spark the same phobia in others, even if they have never had a negative experience at the dentist before. • Past Negative Experiences — Perhaps the most common reason for a fear of the dentist is a rational one, stemming from a negative traumatic experience related to going to the dentist that happened in the past. Traumatic experiences may include fear of the dentist from a young age, having dental procedures performed without consent or cause, as well as having a procedure that caused pain or complications.