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Does the trait anxiety affect the dental fear?
Yusuf Cetin Doganer1, Umit Aydogan2, Hande Ucler Yesil3
1National Defense University, Turkish Military Academy, Primary Care Examination Center, Ankara, Turkey.
Brazilian Oral Research
|May 18, 2017
Summary
High trait anxiety is linked to increased dental fear. Negative dental experiences heighten this fear, leading patients to avoid regular check-ups and only seek care when problems arise.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Dental fear and trait anxiety are significant factors affecting oral health behaviors.
- Understanding the predictors of dental fear is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trait anxiety, dental fear, and demographic/dental history factors.
- To identify key predictors influencing dental fear in patients seeking dental care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 607 participants in Ankara, Turkey.
- Utilized the Modified Dental Fear Survey (MDFS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T).
- Employed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine associations.
Main Results:
- Higher trait anxiety scores correlated with increased dental fear levels.
- Unpleasant dental experiences were associated with a higher risk of dental fear.
- Individuals with dental fear were more likely to seek care only for complaints, not regular visits.
Conclusions:
- Trait anxiety is a significant predisposing factor for dental fear.
- Past negative dental experiences are strong predictors of current dental fear.
- Dental fear influences patient behavior, leading to avoidance of routine dental care.
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