-
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Aug 2021While the mouth and teeth play a lifelong central role in a person's development and wellbeing, psychosocial aspects of disease and health are still only reluctantly... (Review)
Review
While the mouth and teeth play a lifelong central role in a person's development and wellbeing, psychosocial aspects of disease and health are still only reluctantly included in dental explanatory models. Only dental anxiety with its disease quality of a specific phobia is generally recognized as a mental disorder requiring intervention. It is interpreted as an emotional reaction to aspects of dental treatment, which results in distress for the affected person and appears to be unreasonably intense given the actual dangers involved. Apart from that, the tendency to provide a somatic explanation for symptoms in the dental context persists. This bears implications for the expectations of those affected as well as for interdisciplinary cooperation. In order to improve interdisciplinary support and mutual understanding, the following article introduces the clinical pictures of craniomandibular dysfunction, bruxism, occlusal dysaesthesia, and somatoform prosthesis intolerance alongside dental anxiety. Psychosocial factors can profoundly influence the development, course, and management of these conditions.
Topics: Dental Anxiety; Germany; Humans; Oral Health
PubMed: 34212207
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03369-y -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Feb 2013Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) refers to the fear of and anxiety towards going to the dentist. It exists in a considerable proportion of children and adolescents and is a...
BACKGROUND
Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) refers to the fear of and anxiety towards going to the dentist. It exists in a considerable proportion of children and adolescents and is a major dilemma in pediatric dental practice. As an Internet social medium with increasing popularity, the video-sharing website YouTube offers a useful data source for understanding health behaviors and perceptions of the public.
OBJECTIVE
Using YouTube as a platform, this qualitative study aimed to examine the manifestations, impacts, and origins of DFA in children and adolescents from the public's perspective.
METHODS
To retrieve relevant information, we searched YouTube using the keywords "dental fear", "dental anxiety", and "dental phobia". Videos in English expressing a layperson's views or experience on children's or adolescent's DFA were selected for this study. A video was excluded if it had poor audiovisual quality, was irrelevant, was pure advertisement or entertainment, or contained only the views of professionals. After the screen, we transcribed 27 videos involving 32 children and adolescents, which were reviewed by a panel of 3 investigators, including a layperson with no formal dental training. Inductive thematic analysis was applied for coding and interpreting the data.
RESULTS
The videos revealed multiple manifestations and impacts of DFA, including immediate physical reactions (eg, crying, screaming, and shivering), psychological responses (eg, worry, upset, panic, helplessness, insecurity, resentment, and hatred), and uncooperativeness in dental treatment. Testimonials from children, adolescents, and their parents suggested diverse origins of DFA, namely personal experience (eg, irregular dental visits and influence of parents or peers), dentists and dental auxiliaries (eg, bad manner, lack of clinical skills, and improper work ethic), dental settings (eg, dental chair and sounds), and dental procedures (eg, injections, pain, discomfort, and aesthetic concerns).
CONCLUSIONS
This qualitative study suggests that DFA in children and adolescents has multifaceted manifestations, impacts, and origins, some of which only became apparent when using Internet social media. Our findings support the value of infodemiological studies using Internet social media to gain a better understanding of health issues.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Internet; Male; Qualitative Research; Social Media; Video Recording
PubMed: 23435094
DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2290 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is common across the lifespan and represents a barrier to proper oral health behaviors and outcomes. The aim of this study is to present a... (Review)
Review
Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is common across the lifespan and represents a barrier to proper oral health behaviors and outcomes. The aim of this study is to present a conceptual model of the relationships between DFA, general anxiety/fear, sensory over-responsivity (SOR), and/or oral health behaviors and outcomes. Two rounds of literature searches were performed using the PubMed database. Included articles examined DFA, general anxiety/fear, SOR, catastrophizing, and/or oral health behaviors and outcomes in typically developing populations across the lifespan. The relationships between the constructs were recorded and organized into a conceptual model. A total of 188 articles were included. The results provided supporting evidence for relationships between DFA and all other constructs included in the model (general anxiety/fear, SOR, poor oral health, irregular dental attendance, dental behavior management problems [DBMP], and need for treatment with pharmacological methods). Additionally, SOR was associated with general anxiety/fear and DBMP; general anxiety/fear was linked to poor oral health, irregular attendance, and DBMP. This model provides a comprehensive view of the relationships between person factors (e.g., general anxiety/fear, SOR, and DFA) and oral health behaviors and outcomes. This is valuable in order to highlight connections between constructs that may be targeted in the development of new interventions to improve oral health behaviors and outcomes as well as the experience of DFA.
Topics: Dental Anxiety; Health Behavior; Humans; Oral Health
PubMed: 35206566
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042380 -
Australian Dental Journal Dec 2017The Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) was introduced to overcome the theoretical and practical shortcomings of previously developed dental fear measures. This...
BACKGROUND
The Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) was introduced to overcome the theoretical and practical shortcomings of previously developed dental fear measures. This new scale has not been tested on population samples other than in its country of origin, Australia. The aim of this study was to validate the IDAF-4C in a different cultural setting and to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic associations of dental anxiety.
METHODS
A cross sectional study of a representative New Zealand adult population sample was undertaken. The questionnaire was mailed to 523 randomly-selected participants. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, oral and general health care, and dental anxiety using both the IDAF-4C and the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS).
RESULTS
The response rate was 51.8%. The factor structure of the IDAF-4C was confirmed. The prevalence estimates for high dental anxiety and fear were 18.6% using the DAS and 13.0% using the IDAF-4C. Mean scores for the IDAF-4C and DAS were higher among episodic dental visitors and those without a recent dental visit.
CONCLUSIONS
The performance of the IDAF-4C in this New Zealand community sample supports its use for dental anxiety measurement.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Fear; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Prevalence; Psychometrics; Sickness Impact Profile; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 28736912
DOI: 10.1111/adj.12541 -
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Jul 2023There is a knowledge gap in how dental clinicians recognise dental anxiety. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding this process.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
There is a knowledge gap in how dental clinicians recognise dental anxiety. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding this process.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental clinicians from the public dental service of Östergötland, Sweden. Purposive and theoretical sampling was used. Theoretical saturation was reached after eight interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Classical grounded theory was used to inductively analyse data by constant comparative analysis.
RESULTS
The core category was identified as; 'the clinical eye', clinicians noticing behaviours possibly due to dental anxiety based on their knowledge, experiences, or intuition. The core category comprises the five categories: , , , and . Initially there is usually uncertainty about whether a behaviour is due to dental anxiety or part of a patient's normal behaviour. To gain additional certainty, clinicians need to recognise a stressor as something in the dental setting by observing a change in behaviour, for better or for worse, in the anticipation, presence or removal of the stressor.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians identify patients as dentally anxious if their behaviour changes with exposure to a stressor.
Topics: Humans; Dental Anxiety; Grounded Theory; Anxiety Disorders; Sweden
PubMed: 36519282
DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2154263 -
Community Dental Health Jun 2016To analyse the prevalence of Dental Anxiety (DA) in the general adult population of Sweden, to study concomitant factors of DA and also to compare the prevalence of DA... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the prevalence of Dental Anxiety (DA) in the general adult population of Sweden, to study concomitant factors of DA and also to compare the prevalence of DA in 1962 with that in 2013.
METHOD
The national study for 2013 included 3,500 individuals, randomly selected from the Swedish population. The data sampling was performed as a telephone survey including 38 questions and this report is a selection of those questions with the focus on DA. The national study from 1962 was a face-to-face survey of 1,331 individuals randomly selected from the Swedish population. Both surveys were conducted by the same company.
RESULTS
In 2013, severe DA was reported in 4.7%, moderate DA in 4.5%, low DA in 9.8% and no DA in 80.9% of the subjects. Most (72.9%) of the subjects who reported severe DA attended dental care regularly. Important predictive factors of DA were age, gender, education, and self-rated poor oral and general health. The analysis showed a decrease in the prevalence of DA between 1962 and 2013, specifically a change towards more individuals reporting no dental anxiety (38.5% vs. 80.9%) but also smaller proportions of individuals having low and high DA (46.4% vs 9.8% and 15.1% vs 9.2%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
In this national representative sample of Swedish adults the prevalence of severe DA was 4.7%. The main finding revealed a significant decrease of the prevalence of DA over 50 years.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Dental Devices, Home Care; Educational Status; Exercise; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Prevalence; Self Report; Sex Factors; Smoking; Social Class; Sweden; Toothbrushing
PubMed: 27352466
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Oral Health Apr 202220-80% of adults presenting to a dental clinic experience anxiety. Negative past dental experiences and environmental factors such as the waiting area of a dental clinic...
BACKGROUND
20-80% of adults presenting to a dental clinic experience anxiety. Negative past dental experiences and environmental factors such as the waiting area of a dental clinic or sound of a drill are commonly considered triggering factors for anxiety. Anxiety management strategies are considered a part of routine dental procedure, due to increased prevalence and compromised patient care. Hence the aim of the present study is to identify the prevalence and variables associated with dental anxiety and their management in patients visiting the primary care dental clinics in Bahrain.
METHOD
Four hundred and eighty participants were included. A 3-part questionnaire deciphered the demographic characteristics of the participants, the dental procedure undertaken, the level of anxiety, and the management strategy used by the dentist. The pre and post-treatment MDAS scores were recorded. Paired t test, ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test the level of significance between the variables and the mean MDAS scores. The p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The prevalence of dental anxiety was 23.7% with moderate anxiety, and 11.4% with high anxiety. Females presented with a higher mean MDAS both pre and post-treatment compared with males. A statistically significant difference between the pre and post-treatment MDAS scores were observed in educated patients less than 50 years of age. Those with unpleasant previous dental experience showed statistically significant difference. Analyses of anxiety management techniques showed that single techniques worked better than combination techniques. Rest and breaks combined with any other technique of choice showed significant reduction in the MDAS scores post treatment.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, all patients attending the dental clinic present with some level of anxiety that necessitates the dentist to use anxiety management strategies. Non-pharmacological methods that are non-invasive must be the first choice. Rests and breaks, with any technique of choice provides the best possible anxiety management. It is possible to achieve the desired anxiety reduction in single visit to complete the planned dental intervention, other than in patients who are dental phobic.
Topics: Adult; Bahrain; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Clinics; Female; Humans; Male; Primary Health Care; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35448999
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02173-7 -
BMC Oral Health Nov 2016This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety in a population of patients with Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) and patients with mild...
BACKGROUND
This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety in a population of patients with Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) and patients with mild and moderate intellectual disability (ID), and how dental anxiety correlated with their age and gender.
METHODS
The sample was made of 700 patients, 287 females and 413 males, 6-to-47 years old, either with borderline intellectual functioning or mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. All patients were administered the Dental Anxiety Scale to assess their level of dental anxiety.
RESULTS
Moderate Anxiety was the most prevalent dental anxiety category for patients with intellectual borderline functioning (15.56 %) and mild intellectual disabilities(18.79 %), while Severe Anxiety was the most prevalent category for patients with moderate intellectual disabilities(21 %). Overall, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the three groups (BIF, Mild-ID and Moderate-ID) was found. Also, the correlation analysis between participants' age and dental anxiety was statistically significant (p < 0.001); indeed, dental anxiety turned out to decrease with the increasing of the age. Moreover, the analysis between gender and dental anxiety was found to be significant as well (p < 0.001), where higher prevalence of dental anxiety was found in females.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study on dental anxiety carried out in the field of intellectual disability. Results show that the higher the level of intellectual disability - and consequently the lower the cognitive functioning - the higher the percentage and the severity of dental anxiety.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Dental Anxiety; Female; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Learning Disabilities; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 27809836
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-016-0312-y -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... 2017Dental anxiety, fear and phobia have different etiology, response patterns, time courses, and intensities that justify a clear distinction between these constructs.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Dental anxiety, fear and phobia have different etiology, response patterns, time courses, and intensities that justify a clear distinction between these constructs. Differentiation of dental anxiety, fear or phobia in practice is a critical prerequisite for developing and implementing effective treatment for children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether current researches in the pediatric dentistry appropriately discriminate the central construct of dental anxiety, fear and phobia. We also highlighted the specific methodological issues in the assessment of these issues in pediatric dentistry.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed/medline and Scopus for articles which assessed dental anxiety, fear or phobia in children.
RESULTS
104 research papers were included in the review that had made a distinction between dental anxiety, fear and phobia and had not used them interchangeably. Only five studies used different clinical measures or cut-offs to discriminate between dental anxiety, fear and phobia.
CONCLUSION
The dental literature appears unable to capture and also measure the multi-sided construct of dental anxiety, fear and phobia and, therefore, there was a tendency to use them interchangeably.
Topics: Child; Dental Anxiety; Humans
PubMed: 28937891
DOI: 10.17796/1053-4628-41.6.1 -
Journal of Public Health Dentistry 2012The objective of this study is to determine the degree to which rural older adults are able to complete a measure of dental anxiety and to assess the prevalence, as well...
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is to determine the degree to which rural older adults are able to complete a measure of dental anxiety and to assess the prevalence, as well as the demographic and oral health characteristics, of individuals reporting high dental anxiety.
METHODS
A population-based sample of 635 African American, American Indian and White older adults (age ≥ 60 years) completed an in-home survey, and 362 dentate participants completed an oral examination. Dental anxiety was measured using the four-item Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Gender, ethnicity, age, education, and oral health outcomes were compared between those who completed all four DAS questions (completers) and those who did not (noncompleters) as well as, among completers, those with high versus low DAS scores.
RESULTS
There were 94 (14.8%) noncompleters. Noncompletion was associated with older age, lower education, being edentulous, and having gingival recession. 12.4% of DAS completers had high DAS scores, which was more common among those aged 60-70 years, women, and those with oral pain and sore or bleeding gums. In logistic regression analysis, only sore and bleeding gums had a significant association with a high DAS score (odds ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09-5.26).
CONCLUSIONS
About one in eight rural older adults have high dental anxiety, which is associated with poor oral health outcomes. Identifying new approaches to measure dental anxiety among a population with limited interaction with dental care providers is needed.
Topics: Black or African American; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases; Prevalence; Rural Population; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Tooth Loss; Toothache; United States; White People
PubMed: 22316247
DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2011.00283.x