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Journal of Medicine and Life 2021In this study, we aimed to find a correlation between anxiety related to dental procedures and migraines. A cross-sectional study was performed on 171 patients who... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
In this study, we aimed to find a correlation between anxiety related to dental procedures and migraines. A cross-sectional study was performed on 171 patients who attended specific dental clinics. The patients were randomly categorized into a migraine group (83) and a control group. To determine the anxiety level, all the patients filled out a validated questionnaire (the Arabic version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale). All responses ranged from "not anxious" (scoring 1) to "extremely anxious" (scoring 5). Based on the patient responses, the total score was recorded and compared statistically between the two groups. The sound of drilling was one of the most vital factors causing anxiety and headaches in migraine patients. Comparing the presence or absence of headache and usage of analgesics between the two groups, migraine patients complained to have headaches during or after dental treatment more frequently than controls and used analgesics more than non-migraine controls. Migraine patients visiting dental clinics feel more anxious about the working environment and need certain modifications before, during, and after dental procedures.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders
PubMed: 34621373
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0004 -
Special Care in Dentistry : Official... May 2022The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between sense of coherence (SOC) and dental fear/dental anxiety. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between sense of coherence (SOC) and dental fear/dental anxiety.
METHODS
Computerized searches were performed in six databases. Gray literature and manual searches were also conducted. Study selection, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analyses were performed. The results of meta-analyses were reported in odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), and confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
After removing duplicates, 131 references were retrieved and the full texts of 12 were evaluated. Nine references met the eligibility criteria and were included. The results of meta-analyses demonstrated that individuals with a weaker SOC had a score in the dental anxiety/dental fear scale 6.04 times higher than individuals with a stronger SOC (OR = 6.04, CI = 2.62-13.91). Individuals with no dental anxiety/dental fear had a mean score of the SOC scale higher than individuals with dental anxiety/dental fear (MD = 5.39, CI = 2.21-8.56). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the result of a higher mean score of the SOC scale among individuals with no dental anxiety/dental fear remained (MD = 7.38, CI = 3.79-10.98). Risk of bias ranged from low to high. The certainty of evidence was very low.
CONCLUSION
Individuals with stronger SOC have lower levels of dental fear/dental anxiety.
Topics: Dental Anxiety; Humans; Sense of Coherence
PubMed: 34628673
DOI: 10.1111/scd.12663 -
Evidence-based Dentistry Jun 2023This study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy and aromatherapy on reducing dental anxiety and fear in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
DESIGN
This study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy and aromatherapy on reducing dental anxiety and fear in children during a fissure sealant treatment.
CASE SELECTION
Participants were selected from three primary schools from the Phitsanulok Province in Thailand. These children were randomly allocated to a (1) Control group (n = 33), (2) Music Therapy Experimental Group (n = 33), (3) Aromatherapy Group (n = 33) and (4) Combination Experimental Group (n = 33). Measures included dental anxiety and fear scores as well as vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation level) pre- and post-fissure sealant treatment.
DATA ANALYSIS
Descriptive statistics were used for categorical data. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for continuous data. For the four arms, Chi-squared tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare base line characteristics of the participants. Paired t-tests were used to compare changes within groups in dental anxiety and fear and vital signs pre- and post-treatment.
RESULTS
Overall, 128 participants took part in were in the final analysis (32, 33, 31 and 32 in groups 1-4, respectively). In the music therapy group and aromatherapy group, there was a decrease in dental anxiety and fear, blood pressure and increase in oxygen saturation level (p = 0.05). In the combination group, there was a decrease in dental anxiety and fear, heart rate, blood pressure and increase in oxygen saturation level (p = 0.05). A statistically significant interaction effect was found between combination therapy on dental anxiety and fear (F = 22.22; P < 0.001) and oxygen saturation level (F = 17.40; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that the findings of this RCT suggest that the use of music therapy and aromatherapy reduces dental anxiety and fear in children, and is more effective when used in combination.
Topics: Child; Humans; Music Therapy; Aromatherapy; Dental Anxiety; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Heart Rate
PubMed: 37161071
DOI: 10.1038/s41432-023-00881-9 -
Anesthesia Progress Sep 2022Dental fear screening is an important part of providing a positive pediatric dental experience. To improve efficiency, the development of a single-item dental fear...
OBJECTIVE
Dental fear screening is an important part of providing a positive pediatric dental experience. To improve efficiency, the development of a single-item dental fear assessment tool for children has been desired. In this psychometric analysis, the reliability and validity of the Dental Anxiety Question (DAQ) is studied when used in children aged 7 to 18 years.
METHODS
Participants completed the DAQ (pre-tx-DAQ), the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), and a demographic information questionnaire before treatment. Participants repeated the DAQ after treatment (post-tx-DAQ) and once more at least 2 weeks later (follow-up-DAQ). Stability reliability within the DAQ scores and criterion validity with the CFSS-DS were evaluated.
RESULTS
Stability reliability analyses between pre-tx-DAQ/post-tx-DAQ and post-tx-DAQ/follow-up-DAQ demonstrated significant positive correlations: Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.420, rs2 = 0.18, P < .001, and rs = 0.563, rs2 = 0.32, P < .001, respectively. Criterion validity analysis between the pre-tx-DAQ and CFSS-DS also demonstrated a significant correlation: Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.584, r2 = 0.34, P < .001.
CONCLUSION
The stability reliability and criterion validity of the DAQ was proved among children.
Topics: Benzoquinones; Child; Child Behavior; Dental Anxiety; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36223195
DOI: 10.2344/anpr-69-01-04 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Sep 2022This study estimated the prevalence of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) and phobia in Asian youths and investigated the fear/anxiety response components and triggers for those...
OBJECTIVES
This study estimated the prevalence of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) and phobia in Asian youths and investigated the fear/anxiety response components and triggers for those with DFA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A convenience sample of youths, aged 17 to 24 years old, was recruited from a local polytechnic. The Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear-4C + (IDAF-4C +) was employed to assess the occurrence of DFA (IDAF-4C) and phobia (IDAF-P) as well as to ascertain fear/anxiety-inducing stimuli (IDAF-S). Psychological distress was determined with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Sociodemographic, IDAF-4C + , dental attendance patterns, and PHQ-4 data were gathered electronically. Statistical analyses were conducted with chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and relevant post hoc tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
A total of 215 participants were enrolled (mean age of 18.9 ± 2.0 years; 87.4% women). Of these, 12.6/6.0% had moderate-to-high (MH)/high-to-extreme (HE) DFA and 0.9% experienced dental phobia. Significant differences in scores were observed between the HE/MH and no-to-moderate (NM) groups for all IDAF-4C components. Apart from the cost of dental treatment, IDAF-4S scores varied significantly among the three DFA groups. The two most highly rated DFA stimuli were painful/uncomfortable procedures and needles/injections for the HE group, while they were needles/injections and the cost of dental treatment for the MH and NM groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-to-extreme DFA existed in 18.6% of the Asian youths examined. The emotional and physiological components of the IDAF-4C appear to contribute more to the DFA response. Dental pain including needles/injections and the cost of dental treatment troubled Asian youths the most.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
DFA is a common problem among Asian youths, and understanding its extent, nature, and triggers is central for effective interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asian People; Dental Anxiety; Fear; Female; Humans; Male; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 35639205
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04555-1 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2022BACKGROUND Fear has always been closely linked to dentistry but it could be intensified by the objective risks imposed by the pandemic. The objective of this study was...
BACKGROUND Fear has always been closely linked to dentistry but it could be intensified by the objective risks imposed by the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of the frightened dental patient during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine measures taken by dentists to reduce fear and increase security among their patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS An anonymous online survey was conducted between March 15 and April 15, 2021. The respondents were 2060 adult citizens of the Republic of Serbia. In addition to demographic data, data related to the COVID-19 pandemic, dental fear, and attitudes and fear of dental interventions during the ongoing pandemic were compiled. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: the chi-square test and Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS Seventy percent of the respondents felt some level of fear of the ongoing pandemic, 50% felt fear of going to a dentist during the pandemic, 20% considered a dental office a hotspot for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and 43% would visit their dentist only in the case of emergency. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the attitudes and behavior of people pertaining to visits to dental offices. Identifying frightened patients and their opinions and fears at this challenging time would make it easier for dentists to include protocols in their everyday practice to increase a sense of security among their patients, such as implementing preventive measures in front of the patients, ensuring an empty waiting room, and providing telephone consultations.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Dental Anxiety; Dentists; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35514076
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.936535 -
International Dental Journal Apr 2022Access to oral care during pregnancy is important for the maintenance of optimal oral health.
INTRODUCTION
Access to oral care during pregnancy is important for the maintenance of optimal oral health.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate dental anxiety (DA) and its association with previous dental visits and sociodemographic factors amongst pregnant women.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted (June through August 2019) amongst pregnant women (N = 825) attending hospitals and health centres in Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam cities in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess DA and the World Health Organization Oral Health Survey for Adults was administered to evaluate patterns of dental attendance.
RESULTS
DA was found in 90.9% of the pregnant women. The mean DA score of the sample was 12.53 ± 5.33 (range, 5 to 25) and it was significantly higher amongst non-Saudi (13.21 ± 5.24) vs Saudi women (12.15 ± 5.34) (P = .006), those who had negative dental experience (13.99 ± 5.62) vs those without such experience (12.2 ± 5.21) (P < .001), and those with dental pain or discomfort (13.18 ± 5.46) vs without pain or discomfort (11.94 ± 5.14) (P = .001). The study found a significant relationship between DA and reasons for dental attendance before pregnancy (P = .002) and time since the last dental visit (P = .009). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significantly increased odds (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.27) of experiencing moderate to extreme DA amongst pregnant women who visited the dentist after a year/never visited compared to those who visited in less than a year. Similarly, participants with negative dental experience were significantly more likely to have moderate to extreme DA (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.20) than those without negative experience after adjusting for sociodemographic factors.
CONCLUSIONS
DA was highly prevalent amongst pregnant women, which was significantly associated with negative dental experience, dental pain or discomfort, and reasons for and time since the last dental visit.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Female; Humans; Oral Health; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Sociodemographic Factors
PubMed: 34253341
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2021.05.007 -
BMC Oral Health Feb 2021Dental anxiety continues to be a widespread problem affecting adult populations. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Lebanese...
BACKGROUND
Dental anxiety continues to be a widespread problem affecting adult populations. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Lebanese Arabic version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-A) and to identify the optimal cut-off for assessing dental anxiety and dental phobia among adults in Lebanon. In addition, we sought to assess dental anxiety and phobia as well as their correlates among Lebanese adult patients.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 451 dental adult patients aged between 18 and 65 years old. Information about demographic characteristics, previous bad dental experience, trauma's experience period, perception of a periodontal problem, sensation of nausea during dental treatment, the MDAS-A scale, and the Visual Analogue Scale for anxiety (VAS-A) were collected.
RESULTS
MDAS-A exhibited evidence of adequate psychometric properties. The optimal cut-off was 12 for dental anxiety and 14 for dental phobia. Out of the total sample, 31.5% suffered from dental anxiety while 22.4% had a dental phobia. Multivariable analysis showed that the odds of dental anxiety and phobia were higher among females compared to males. Also, patients suffering from periodontal problem perceptions, bad dental experiences during childhood and adolescence, and the sensation of nausea during dental treatment were at a higher risk of developing dental anxiety and phobia compared to their counterparts. However, a higher level of education was found to be a protective factor against dental phobia among Lebanese adult patients.
CONCLUSION
The MDAS-A scale is a suitable tool for the routine assessment of dental anxiety and phobia among Lebanese adult patients. Identifying patients with dental anxiety at the earliest opportunity is of utmost importance for delivering successful dental care.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Female; Humans; Lebanon; Male; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Visual Analog Scale; Young Adult
PubMed: 33541354
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01409-2 -
International Journal of Dental Hygiene Nov 2022This study estimated the prevalence of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) in Southeast Asian youths and established their dental environment and practitioner preferences.
OBJECTIVES
This study estimated the prevalence of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) in Southeast Asian youths and established their dental environment and practitioner preferences.
METHODS
A convenience sample of youths were enrolled from a local polytechnic. The Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) was used to ascertain the presence and severity of DFA. Socio-demographic and IDAF-4C data, along with participants' dental environment and practitioner partialities were gathered electronically. Statistical evaluations were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
Data from a total of 215 participants were appraised. The mean age of the study sample was 18.9 ± 2.0 years (87.4% women). Of these, 12.6% had moderate-to-high DFA and 6.0% had high-to-extreme DFA. As a group, Southeast Asian youths generally liked dental clinics with adorned walls, cooler temperatures, magazines/books, background music and audio-visual devices. In addition, they favoured female practitioners who are younger (≤45 years old), friendly, talkative and maintain a professional relationship. However, those with high-to-extreme DFA preferred a warmer clinic environment and to have an informal relationship with their dental practitioners (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of moderate-to-extreme DFA in Southeast Asian youths was 18.6%. Individuals with high-to-extreme DFA may have disparate dental environment and practitioner preferences compared to those with no-to-moderate DFA.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Dental Anxiety; Dentists; Fear; Professional Role; Psychometrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Dental Hygienists
PubMed: 36093585
DOI: 10.1111/idh.12622 -
Community Dentistry and Oral... Oct 2023Accumulating evidence has revealed that dental anxiety is robustly associated with dental care-related pain and discomfort, but also with the personality trait of...
OBJECTIVES
Accumulating evidence has revealed that dental anxiety is robustly associated with dental care-related pain and discomfort, but also with the personality trait of neuroticism (i.e. the relatively stable disposition to experience the world as distressing, threatening and unsafe). However, there is a near absence of research on these risk factors in samples for which genetic information is available. With the aim of arriving at a more refined understanding of dental anxiety, this twin cohort study assessed genetic and environmental influences on neuroticism, dental care-related pain and dental anxiety, and the relation between these phenotypes.
METHODS
Participants were recruited from the Norwegian Twin Registry, and data collections were carried out in 1992-98 (Time 1) and 2011 (Time 2). Well-validated questionnaires were used to assess the study variables, including Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (Time 2) and Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire (Time 1). Pearson correlation analysis and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to investigate phenotypic associations. Analyses of genetic and environmental influences were performed using Cholesky modelling.
RESULTS
A total of 746 monozygotic (MZ) and 770 dizygotic (DZ) twins in the age group of 50-65 participated in the study. Moderate estimates of heritability for dental anxiety (0.29), treatment-related pain (0.24) and neuroticism (0.45-0.54) were found. Cholesky modelling showed furthermore that neuroticism assessed at Time 1 and Time 2 was related to dental anxiety and pain via both genetic and individual-specific environmental pathways, albeit not very strongly. The particularly high phenotypic correlation observed between dental care-related pain and anxiety (r = .68) was explained by both overlapping genetic and individual-specific environmental influences (the genetic and environmental correlations were .84 and .63 respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings provide deeper insight into the aetiology of dental anxiety and confirm that while it is strongly linked to treatment-related pain experiences, this relation is to a considerable degree independent of general negative affectivity/neuroticism.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Neuroticism; Dental Anxiety; Cohort Studies; Pain; Personality
PubMed: 35633060
DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12763