How does dental anxiety affect the oral health of adolescents? A regression analysis of the Child Dental Health Survey 2013

Abstract

Introduction Dental phobia has been widely studied but there is limited research on the effect of dental phobia on oral health. This research is an analysis of the 2013 Child Dental Health Survey, to explore the impact of dental anxiety on factors relating to oral health in the adolescents.Aim To examine if dental anxiety predicts poor oral health in 12- and 15-year-olds.Design Regression analysis of data from 4,950 children aged 12 years and 15 years who participated in the Child Dental Health Survey 2013.Setting National epidemiological survey of UK schools.Materials and methods A series of logistic regressions was carried out to examine if dental anxiety, socio demographic factors and oral health-related behaviour could predict oral health status, the impact of the child's oral health on their own quality of life and the impact of their oral health on the family's quality of life. Additional outcomes examined were self-perceived dental health and general health.Results Dental anxiety was not a predictor of poor oral health but did predict a greater impact of the child's oral health on everyday life. Adolescents with dental anxiety had negative thoughts regarding their dental and general health.Conclusions Dental anxiety affects the everyday life and psychological wellbeing of adolescents.