Dental behavior management problems in Swedish children

4505 Swedish children aged 4-11 yr were surveyed regarding dental behavior management problems (BMP) and dental health. Dental charts were retrieved from clinics in the Public Dental Service in Göteborg, and data were then compiled regarding BMP, action against BMP, caries, fillings, use of local anesthetics, and number of missed appointments. Behavior management problems were found in 10.5% of the children, and were more common in the younger children, among children who missed appointments, and in children who received restorative treatment without local anesthetics. The BMP children had more carious and fewer filled surfaces. In 43.4% of the cases with BMP the strategy chosen was postponement of dental treatment or no measure taken.