Dental anxiety and dental pain in 5- to 12-year-old children in Recife, Brazil

Abstract

Dental anxiety is a common problem, related to dental pain, which contributes to irregular dental attendance and avoidance of dental care, resulting in poorer oral health during childhood. To evaluate anxiety, pain and/or discomfort related to dental treatment in 5- to 12-year-old children examined during a public holiday. This cross-sectional survey study was carried out with parental permission in 970 children of both sexes. Socio-economic status, dental anxiety and dental pain experience data were obtained through a questionnaire answered by parents or guardians. Dental anxiety was measured using the dental anxiety questionnaire (DAQ). The statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. The intra-examiner agreement was high (κ=0.80) and the inter-examiner was κ=0.79. The prevalence of dental anxiety was 39.4% and that of a history of dental pain was 44.9%. Dental anxiety among children was associated with the child never having had a dental appointment. The anxiety correlated positively with a history of dental pain (p<0.001), the mother's low level of schooling (p=0.037), parents' dental anxiety (p<0.001), and negatively with visits to the dentist (p<0.001). A high percentage of children presented with dental anxiety and a history of dental pain.