Factors associated with gagging during radiographic and intraoral photographic examinations in 4-12-year-old children.

Abstract

No studies are available in paediatric samples evaluating gagging during toothbrushing, radiographic and/or intraoral photographic examinations. The aims were to collectively examine potential factors associated with gagging during radiographs andintraoral photographs in 4-12-year-old children. Parents/guardians of 395 children (aged 4-12years old) completed questionnaires asking about their children's toothbrushing habits. Children completed Greek versions of the Gagging Assessment Scale (GAS) and the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), while the dentist used the shorter version of the Gagging Problem Assessment (GPA-de-c/SF) to objectively assess gagging. X-ray and Photo Rating Scales were created to evaluate gagging during X-rays and photographs, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the potential factors and gagging. 59 of 275 patients (21%) and 56 of 276 patients (20%) who needed X-rays and intraoral photographs, respectively, gagged. Children who gagged during X-rays had significantly higher GAS scores (p = 0.007). Boys, younger children, and those who gagged on GPA-de-c/SF were more likely to gag during X-rays, and children who gagged on GPA-de-c/SF were more likely to gag during photographs. Brushing habits were not related to dental fear or gagging. Of the variables which we studied, GPA-de-c/SF most strongly affected the odds of gagging during taking radiographs and/or intraoral photographs.