Relationship between Children's Lifestyle and Fear during Dental Visits: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The purpose was to analyze the relationship between new family and social patterns and child emotions in the dental clinic. The sample consisted of 174 children between the ages of four and nine. Parents completed 20 questions that referred to social, family, cultural, and economic factors. The Wong−Baker scale was completed by the children after the end of the treatment. A total of 129 of the children were found to be extremely happy (45.4%) or happy (28.7%) with the dental care received. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger children and sad and incredibly sad faces on the Wong−Baker test with a strong association (V > 0.3). Regarding children who practiced team sports, the chi-square test revealed a very significant association with happy and incredibly happy faces (p < 0.001) and the Cramer statistic evidenced a strong relationship between team sports and less dental fear (V > 0.3). Considering the limitations, small children (4−6 years) would be more fearful. In addition, stable environments in the family life of children (appropriate routines, adequate time spent with videogames, sport activities) could be interesting factors for improved control of fear and emotions in children. Further research is needed in this field.

Keywords: behavior; child; dental fear.

Figure 1

The Wong–Baker face scale.

Figure 2

Pie chart of the faces chosen with the Wong–Baker faces scale.

Figure 3

Bar chart of the results referring to the age of the patient.

Figure 4

(a) Bar chart of the results referring to videogames; (b) results referring to bedtime.

Figure 5

(a) Bar chart of the results referring to the practice of sports; (b) results referring to the practicing of team sports.