Evaluating factors associated with fear and anxiety to dental treatment-A systematic review
- PMID: 33209758
- PMCID: PMC7652176
- DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_607_20
Evaluating factors associated with fear and anxiety to dental treatment-A systematic review
Abstract
Introduction: Dental anxiety refers to a set of complex psychological issues bearing a significant impact in individual's lives reflecting in the form of dental visit avoidance, poor dental health status and decreases oral health related quality of life. Hence, it is imperative to consider those factors associated with dental anxiety so as to treat and promote better oral health. The review aimed to assess various factors associated with dental fear and anxiety.
Materials and methods: Literature search was done from Pubmed and Google scholar search engines to identify publications which explored factors associated with dental fear and anxiety.
Results: Research evidence pointed a significant relationship of age, gender, maternal anxiety, previous dental experience, and number of siblings with dental fear and anxiety (DFA).
Conclusion: Findings of the review clearly suggest that a better understanding of factors causing dental anxiety and phobia will help preventing dental avoidance and providing better care.
Keywords: Age; dental anxiety; dental fear; gender; maternal anxiety.
Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.
Conflict of interest statement
There are no conflicts of interest.
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