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Brazilian Dental Journal 2020The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental fear and to evaluate its association with dental caries and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in...
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental fear and to evaluate its association with dental caries and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in schoolchildren aged 8-10 years from a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. Data from 466 students enrolled in urban public schools in a cross-sectional study were collected. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, dental fear was measured by means of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and clinical examinations were performed by three calibrated examiners for diagnosis of dental caries, using the International Caries Detection & Assessment System - ICDAS II and a previously validated index for MIH. Descriptive data analysis was performed, and associations between dental fear, dental caries and MIH were analyzed using robust Poisson regression for complex samples (p<0,05). The prevalence of dental fear was 21.6%, and the mean total CFSS-DS score was 29.97 (CI 95%=29.05-30.89). In the multivariate adjusted model, the prevalence of dental fear was associated to family income (PR=1.78; CI 95%=1.02-3.08; p= 0.041). Monthly family income was associated with dental fear in children, whereas dental caries and MIH were not associated with dental fear.
Topics: Brazil; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Humans; Molar; Prevalence
PubMed: 33237240
DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440202003880 -
European Journal of Oral Sciences Feb 2023We evaluated associations between changes in dental anxiety and tobacco use, adjusted for general anxiety and depressive symptoms. The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study data,...
We evaluated associations between changes in dental anxiety and tobacco use, adjusted for general anxiety and depressive symptoms. The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study data, collected at gestational weeks 14 and 34 and at 3 months postpartum, were used. Questionnaires included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL). Smoking was categorized as "stable non-smoking", "started smoking", "quit smoking", and "stable smoking". Changes in smoking and dental anxiety were evaluated "during pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 14 to gestational week 34) in 2442 women and 1346 men and "after pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 34 to 3 months postpartum) in 2008 women and 1095 men. Changes were evaluated in three smoking categories (stable non-smoking, fluctuating, and stable smoking), using data from all three time-points (1979 women and 1049 men). Modeling used repeated measures analysis of covariance. Stable smoking mothers had statistically significantly higher levels of dental anxiety (mean MDAS 12.3-12.6) than non-smoking mothers (mean MDAS 10.1-10.7) or mothers who smoked at some point during pregnancy (mean MDAS 10.8-11.5). A similar tendency was observed in fathers. However, no systematic change in dental anxiety by changes in smoking habits was observed. Those smoking during pregnancy and with high dental anxiety may need special support for smoking cessation.
Topics: Male; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Cohort Studies; Dental Anxiety; Depression; Parents; Mothers; Anxiety
PubMed: 36599651
DOI: 10.1111/eos.12912 -
International Journal of Dentistry 2017. To assess the dental anxiety level among dental, medical, and pharmacy students of MAHSA University, Malaysia. . A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted...
. To assess the dental anxiety level among dental, medical, and pharmacy students of MAHSA University, Malaysia. . A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 1500 undergraduate students of MAHSA University. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure dental anxiety among the study population. The responses were assessed by 5-point likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. The level of anxiety was categorized into lowly anxious (5-11), moderately anxious (12-18), and severely anxious ≥19. Out of 1500 students enrolled, 1024 students (342 males and 682 females) completed and returned the questionnaire having response rate of 68.26%. . There was a statistically significant difference ( < 0.001) when the mean dental anxiety scores were compared among the three faculties and dental students had lowest mean score (11.95 ± 4.21). The fifth year (senior) dental students scored significantly ( = 0.02) lower mean anxiety score as compared to the first dental students (junior). The students were anxious mostly about tooth drilling and local anesthetic injection. . Dental students have a significantly low level of dental anxiety as compared with medical and pharmacy students. Incorporation of dental health education in preuniversity and other nondental university curriculums may reduce dental anxiety among the students.
PubMed: 28348593
DOI: 10.1155/2017/4762576 -
BMC Psychology Nov 2021Dental anxiety is of public health importance because it leads to postponed dental treatment, which comes with health complications. The present study investigated...
BACKGROUND
Dental anxiety is of public health importance because it leads to postponed dental treatment, which comes with health complications. The present study investigated whether there is a correlation between the degree of dental anxiety and other kinds of anxiety and whether there are prognostic factors for the different kinds of anxiety.
METHOD
In the sample (N = 156) from a dental practice in a large German city, 62% of patients received a check-examination and 38% received dental surgery. The target variables were recorded with validated questionnaires: dental anxiety (IDAF-4c+), subclinical anxiety (SubA), anxiety of negative evaluation (SANB-5), current general anxiety (STAI state), loneliness (LS-S) and self-efficacy (GSW-6). The applied statistics were: t-tests for 31 variables, correlation matrix and multivariate and bivariate regression analyses.
RESULTS
The dental surgery patients displayed more dental anxiety and more dental interventions than the check-examination group. The main result was a positive correlation of all kinds of anxiety with each other, a positive correlation of loneliness and neuroticism with all forms of anxiety and a negative correlation between all forms of anxiety and self-efficacy. Especially dental anxiety is positively associated with other kinds of anxiety. In multivariate regression models only neuroticism is associated with dental anxiety, but feelings of loneliness are positively associated with with the other kinds of anxiety assessed in this study. The higher the self-efficacy, the lower the level of general anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
In dentistry, anxiety from negative experiences with buccal interventions should be distinguished from anxiety caused by personality traits. Self-efficacy tends to protect against anxiety, while loneliness and neuroticism are direct or indirect risk factors for anxiety in this urban dentistry sample. Dental anxiety seems to be independent from biographical strains but not from neuroticism. In practice, more attention must be paid to anxiety control, self-management and efforts to improve the confidence of patients with emotional lability, less self-confidence and propensity to shame.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Humans; Loneliness; Neuroticism
PubMed: 34819158
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00684-6 -
The Saudi Dental Journal Dec 2021This study aimed to investigate dental anxiety levels among adults with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and compare to adults with no orofacial cleft. The study also...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate dental anxiety levels among adults with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and compare to adults with no orofacial cleft. The study also intended to find out the impact of cleft severity, gender and age on the perceived dental anxiety.
METHODS
The study was composed of a sample of 70 adult participants who received and completed dental treatments. After sending self-addressed envelopes with consent forms and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) to 192 potential participants, 35 participants with CL/P (CL/P group) and 35 participants with no CL/P (control group), agreed to participate. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney test. A two-tailed P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS
54.3% of adults with CL/P (23 females and 12 males, age range from 16 to 72 years) reported normal dental anxiety, while the remaining 45.7% reported moderate dental anxiety. No extreme dental anxiety were recorded in the CL/P group. These results were similar to the control group and there were no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Female participants recorded higher median anxiety scores than male participants in the CL/P group, and participants with cleft lip had higher median scores than participants with cleft lip and palate. However, these were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that CL/P did not affect dental anxiety levels for participants with the CL/P as there were no extreme cases and their results were comparable to a general non-cleft sample.
PubMed: 34938052
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2021.04.005 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2020The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the fear level of kindergarten children in the general population during dental outreach in a familiar...
The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the fear level of kindergarten children in the general population during dental outreach in a familiar kindergarten setting, and to explore the factors associated with the dental fear of kindergarten children. Consecutive sampling method was used to select kindergarten children aged 3 to 5 to participate in a questionnaire survey and an outreach service. A behavioural observation type of instrument for dental fear and anxiety assessment-Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS)-was chosen to investigate the fear level of the children. Bivariate analyses between various factors and children's dental fear and anxiety were carried out using Chi-square test. A total of 498 children participated in this study. Almost half (46%) of the children have had caries experience, and the mean dmft score was 2.1 ± 3.4. The prevalence of dental caries was 32%, 43%, and 64% in the 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, respectively. Only 4% of the children scored negatively for dental fear and anxiety (95% CI 2.3%-5.7%). Children at three years of age displayed more dental fear and anxiety than children of older ages, but the difference in dental fear and anxiety among the genders and caries status was not statistically significant. Most of the children (92%) brushed daily, but only 20% of them used toothpaste. Most (85%) of them had never visited the dentist, and over 70% of them were mainly taken care by their parents. High levels of positive and cooperative behaviour and low levels of fear were found in this population. No statistical significance was found between the child's dental fear and any factors except age. Children generally displayed low fear or anxiety levels in a dental outreach consisting of a non-invasive oral examination and preventive treatment in a familiar kindergarten setting. Conducting regular outreach dental services to kindergartens by providing oral examination and simple remineralisation therapies could be a promising strategy to not only control childhood caries, but also manage and reduce dental fear and encourage long term dental attendance in line with the medical model.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Caries; Female; Hong Kong; Humans; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32325972
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082827 -
Dentistry Journal Aug 2023This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dental caries, dental anxiety, and salivary cortisol levels in children visiting pediatric dental clinics and...
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dental caries, dental anxiety, and salivary cortisol levels in children visiting pediatric dental clinics and their implications on pediatric oral health.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a dental university in the UAE. A total of 60 children, aged 4-12 years, were included. Salivary cortisol levels were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Dental caries status was evaluated, and dental anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, were performed to determine significant differences and associations.
RESULTS
The study group showed significantly higher salivary cortisol levels compared to the control group ( < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation was found between salivary cortisol levels and dental caries status ( < 0.001). However, no significant difference in dental anxiety levels was observed between the study and control groups ( = 0.85). A strong positive correlation was found between dental anxiety levels and dental caries status ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The findings indicate a significant association between salivary cortisol levels and dental caries, suggesting that higher cortisol levels are associated with active caries. Dental anxiety levels were positively correlated with dental caries. Understanding the relationship between these variables can contribute to better oral health strategies and interventions for children, emphasizing the importance of managing dental anxiety and stress in pediatric dental care.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This study highlights the potential of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for assessing stress and its impact on oral health in children. By addressing dental anxiety and stress, dental professionals can provide child-friendly dental care, enhance preventive measures, and improve oral health outcomes in pediatric patients.
PubMed: 37754325
DOI: 10.3390/dj11090205 -
Brazilian Oral Research 2022This study aimed to characterize the profile of dental anxiety in pediatric patients, identifying the effect exerted by socioeconomic factors using dental data. A...
This study aimed to characterize the profile of dental anxiety in pediatric patients, identifying the effect exerted by socioeconomic factors using dental data. A cross-sectional study design with a sample of 120 children aged 7-12 years old was used. Data relating to anxiety levels prior to dental care, socioeconomic aspects (family income, education level, child's school type), and child's dental history (previous dental appointments, previous treatment, caries experience) were collected. Additionally, participants completed the Brazilian version of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule- Dental Subscale (B-CFSS-DS) to assess dental anxiety. Descriptive analyses, chi-squared (X 2 ) tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed, with a significance level of 5%. A total of 51 boys (42.5%) and 69 girls (57.5%) were included. There was no significant difference in dental anxiety between them. However, younger children had higher mean B-CFSS-DS scores (p = 0.036, Mann-Whitney). A higher prevalence of dental anxiety was found in participants from low-income families (p = 0.012, X 2 ) and in patients who did not receive endodontic treatment (p=0.034, X 2 ). Higher mean B-CFSS-DS scores were also observed in participants who did not receive endodontic treatment (p=0.001, Mann-Whitney) compared with those that did receive endodontic treatment. No relationship was found between education level, patient school type, first dental appointment, caries experience, and dental anxiety data. Younger children presented a profile of greater dental anxiety. Socioeconomic factors and dental data exerted some effect on dental anxiety, where children from low-income families and those not subjected to endodontic treatment displayed higher rates of dental anxiety.
Topics: Child; Child Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Male; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35946734
DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2022.vol36.0106 -
Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in... 2018A growing amount of evidence suggests that dental anxiety is associated with other psychiatric disorders and symptoms. A systematic review was conducted to critically...
BACKGROUND
A growing amount of evidence suggests that dental anxiety is associated with other psychiatric disorders and symptoms. A systematic review was conducted to critically evaluate the studies of comorbidity of dental anxiety with other specific phobias and other Axis I psychiatric disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the review was to explore how dental anxiety is associated with other psychiatric disorders and to estimate the level of comorbid symptoms in dental anxiety patients.
METHODS
The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the MOOSE statement. Data sources included PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus.
RESULTS
The search produced 631 hits, of which 16 unique records fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The number of eligible papers was low. Study populations were heterogeneous including 6,486 participants, and a total of 25 tests and in few cases clinical interviews were used in the evaluation processes. The results enhanced the idea about the comorbidity between dental anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. The effect was found strong in several studies.
CONCLUSION
Patients with a high level of dental anxiety are more prone to have a high level of comorbid phobias, depression, mood disorders and other psychiatric disorders and symptoms.
PubMed: 30288171
DOI: 10.2174/1745017901814010207 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2022Dental anxiety can affect the dental health status of an individual leading to avoidance behavior, poor oral hygiene and periodontal health and delay in seeking...
INTRODUCTION
Dental anxiety can affect the dental health status of an individual leading to avoidance behavior, poor oral hygiene and periodontal health and delay in seeking necessary treatment.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety in army recruits in Bangalore city and to explore the relationship of dental anxiety with dental caries and periodontal disease among army recruits in Bangalore city.
METHODOLOGY
The total population of the army recruits in Army Service Corps Center and College was around 1000. General information included name, age, sex educational qualification, address, number of dental visits and age of first visit. The closed ended multiple-choice questionnaire consisting of 4 questions based on previous dental experience given by Corah was used to assess the anxiety level of the individual. Clinical examination of dental and periodontal health was noted using Decayed, Missing, Filled and Surface (DMFS) Index and Community Periodontal Index and Treatment Needs (CPITN) Index.
RESULTS
The mean Dental Anxiety Scale score was 9.64 with a standard deviation of 3.6. Of the 836 participants in the study, 444 (53.1%) reported no dental anxiety at all. Two hundred and sixty-three (31.5%) were moderately dental anxious (scoring 9-12), 10.4% were highly anxious (scoring 13-14) and 5% were severely anxious (scoring 15-20). Anxious individuals had poorer periodontal health necessitating treatment compared to nonanxious individuals. The mean DMFS of the study population was highest among those having high and severe dental anxiety (mean DMFS = 11.0 and 12.59, respectively) which was statistically significant ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The present study showed a prevalence of dental anxiety of 47%. Impact of dental anxiety on oral health was found to be obvious as higher DMFT/DMFS was evident among dentally anxious subjects; dental anxiety also showed a strong association with higher CPITN scores.
PubMed: 35571310
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_207_21