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Cunoti N, Qorri R, Irmscher L, Qorri E, Magerfleisch L, Berth H. Dental anxiety and dental care - a comparison between Albania and Germany. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:1121. [PMID: 39313815 PMCID: PMC11421110 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study is the first in Albania on dental fear and dental anxiety and also in the field of psychosocial medicine. The purpose of this study was to find out whether there are differences in dental anxiety using the Dental Anxiety Scale, their level of psychological distress using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 and the evaluation of oral health among Albanian and German patients. METHODS This study was conducted in the period from December 2019 to July 2020, a sample of N = 263 patients (133 Germans, 130 Albanians) using the Dental Anxiety Scale questionnaires to determine anxiety before dental treatment and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 to evaluate psychological distress. Moreover, the patients answered questions regarding their oral health and dental care. In Germany, there were four refusals to entrance in the study due to various reasons, in contrast to Albania, where there were no refusals at all For the purposes of this study, data on both populations aged 14 years and older were used. RESULTS The questionnaires results were calculated for all participants. The current subjective health status of Albanian patients was assessed to be significantly worse than that of German patients (p < 0,000). Germans were more susceptible to signs of Anxiety (p < 0,000), Depression and Somatization and scored higher on the Dental Anxiety Scale and the Global Severity Index (p < 0,000) than Albanian patients. Additionally Albanian patients scored significantly lower on the preventive care index (p < 0,000). Despite an elevated DAS anxiety level, German patients reported going to the dentist more frequently than Albanian patients. CONCLUSION The results showed that between both populations differences in dental anxiety, psychological distress and oral health exists. Patients from Germany report more psychological distress and described more dental anxiety compared to Albanian patients. Albanian patients reported not utilization on oral health care.The implementation of educational programs and preventive measures, would contribute to raising awareness about the importance of oral health and increased use of dental services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nertsa Cunoti
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rezart Qorri
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lisa Irmscher
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Erda Qorri
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Albanian University, Tirana, 1001, Albania
| | - Laura Magerfleisch
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hendrik Berth
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Research Group Applied Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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Peric R, Tadin A. Associations between Dental Anxiety Levels, Self-Reported Oral Health, Previous Unpleasant Dental Experiences, and Behavioural Reactions in Dental Settings: An Adult E-Survey. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1303. [PMID: 39202584 PMCID: PMC11356593 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety, its association with self-reported oral health, and sociodemographic factors in adults that are critical for improving oral health and well-being. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted via social media, with 1551 adults (76.5% women, 23.5% men) participating nationwide. Data collected included demographic data, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) scores, and associations between dental anxiety, negative experiences, and self-reported oral health. The analysis included psychophysiological, behavioural, and emotional responses and avoidance of dental visits, using descriptive and generalised linear regression models. Results: This study found that the mean score of the MDAS was 9.70 ± 5.11 out of 25, 19.1% of the participants reported no dental anxiety, and 7.8% suffered from dental phobia. Gender, age, and socioeconomic status had no significant effect on the prevalence of anxiety. Although more than half of the participants reported negative dental experiences, particularly in childhood, anxiety levels were unaffected. However, those who rated their oral health as excellent or very good had lower anxiety scores (p = 0.008, p = 0.024). Among the dental procedures, oral surgery (58.7%) and prosthetic (restorative) dental treatments (15.2%) caused the most anxiety. Avoidance behaviour correlated with increased anxiety (p ≤ 0.001), as did postponing dental visits until severe pain occurred (p = 0.011). Conclusions: These results emphasise the significant prevalence of dental anxiety in adults, particularly for surgical procedures and drilling, posing challenges in patient management. Tailored strategies are essential to reduce anxiety, improve patient well-being, and optimise dental service delivery and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruzica Peric
- Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Antonija Tadin
- Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Centre Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Seppänen S, Vuorenmaa K, Suominen A, Ogawa M, Pohjola V, Rantavuori K, Karlsson H, Karlsson L, Lahti S. Concordance of Fathers and Mothers in the Assessment of Their 5-Year-Old Child's Dental Fear. Dent J (Basel) 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38534277 DOI: 10.3390/dj12030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of parents' assessments of their child's dental fear. Cross-sectional secondary analysis used data from the multidisciplinary FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Child dental fear was assessed at age 5 with the Finnish translation of the modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule Dental Subscale (CFSS-M) by both fathers (n = 588) and mothers (n = 1100). Reply alternatives were from 1 = not afraid to 5 = very afraid and 6 = no experience coded as missing and 1. In total, 514 mother-father pairs were eligible for the analyses. Descriptive statistics, percentage agreement and Cohen's Kappa coefficients were used in the analyses. The concordance of parents' assessments was poor (Kappa range 0.072-0.258). The majority of parents replied "No Experience" to items related to invasive treatment or being unable to breathe. Thus, coding of this reply alternative had a significant impact on the mean values of the child's fear. When assessing the fear of a five-year-old child, it might not be safe to rely only on one parent's assessment, and whether or not the child has experience with the question asked should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Seppänen
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Kukka Vuorenmaa
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Auli Suominen
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Mika Ogawa
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Vesa Pohjola
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Kari Rantavuori
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Satu Lahti
- Department of Community Dentistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Šimunović L, Špiljak B, Vranić L, Negovetić Vranić D. Treatment priorities and arrival time of traumatic dental injuries-An 8-year retrospective study. Dent Traumatol 2024; 40:11-21. [PMID: 37750007 DOI: 10.1111/edt.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Most of the previous studies in the available literature discussed the time of arrival in general to the healthcare system, while a minority studied the relationship between the type of trauma and arrival. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the arrival time of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) depending on the urgency of treatment according to Andreasen. MATERIALS AND METHODS This 8-year retrospective study was carried out at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University Dental Clinic in Zagreb, Croatia. Andreasen's classification was used to define the kind of TDI as well as to divide them by the need for urgent treatment or treatment priorities in three groups: acute, subacute, and delayed. RESULTS The sample consisted of 1040 children (59% male and 41% female) with a median age of 7. Each year, the age group most affected by TDIs was 6-12 years old. While there is a general increase in the prevalence of TDIs overall, there is a decline in TDIs among children aged 6-12 and an increase among preschoolers and adolescents (below 6 and above 12 years old). Throughout the years, 52.73% red/acute and 41.16% yellow/subacute TDIs were not treated on time due to delayed arrival. More patients from Zagreb come in the first 24 h, while more patients from outside Zagreb come to the clinic a month or more after their injuries. Patients which suffered TDI accompanied with soft-tissue injury arrived sooner. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to introduce monitoring and education of patients under the age of 6 and over 12, as well as their parents/caregivers. New programs should be implemented and new referent centers that specialize in treating TDIs outside of Zagreb should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Šimunović
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bruno Špiljak
- School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lara Vranić
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Petrović D, Cicvarić O, Šimunović-Erpušina M, Ivančić Jokić N, Bakarčić D, Bučević Sojčić P, Jurić H. The Role of Family Factors in the Development of Dental Anxiety in Children. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:180. [PMID: 38276059 PMCID: PMC10818455 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the literature, the influence of parents who suffer from dental anxiety and a previous unpleasant experience at the dentist are cited as the two most common causes of dental anxiety in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the development of dental anxiety in children aged 9 to 12 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 children and their accompanying parents/guardians participated in the cross-sectional study. The children were divided into an experimental group, which visited a specialised office for paediatric and preventive dentistry for the examination, and a control group, which visited a primary care dental office. During the visit, the children completed questionnaires on dental anxiety (CFSS-DS). Parents completed a socioeconomic questionnaire and a dental anxiety questionnaire for adults (CDAS). Results: The results showed a statistically significant positive predictor: parental dental anxiety as measured by the CDAS. In addition, the t-test showed that children who visited a specialised dental office did not show a statistically significant increase in dental anxiety compared to children who visited a primary care dental office. Conclusions: With this study, we confirm the influence of parental dental anxiety on the development of dental anxiety in children. The socioeconomic status of the family and the type of dental office do not play a statistically significant role in the development of dental anxiety in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorotea Petrović
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.P.); (M.Š.-E.); (N.I.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Odri Cicvarić
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.P.); (M.Š.-E.); (N.I.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Marija Šimunović-Erpušina
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.P.); (M.Š.-E.); (N.I.J.); (D.B.)
- Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nataša Ivančić Jokić
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.P.); (M.Š.-E.); (N.I.J.); (D.B.)
- Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Danko Bakarčić
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (D.P.); (M.Š.-E.); (N.I.J.); (D.B.)
- Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Petra Bučević Sojčić
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Hrvoje Jurić
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- University Dental Clinic, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Kvesić AJ, Hrelja M, Lovrić Ž, Šimunović L, Špiljak B, Supina N, Vranić L, Vranić DN. Possible Risk Factors for Dental Fear and Anxiety in Children Who Suffered Traumatic Dental Injury. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:190. [PMID: 37623286 PMCID: PMC10453853 DOI: 10.3390/dj11080190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who undergo painful experiences such as traumatic dental injury (TDI) during their early years are more likely to be at an increased risk of developing dental fear and anxiety (DFA). The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors for DFA of these children. METHODS The study participants were 220 parents/caregivers and their children who experienced TDI. Their socio-demographic backgrounds were investigated with the modified WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Children that included questions about parents' knowledge and attitudes, while the DFA level was determined using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S Index) was used to assess oral hygiene status. RESULTS The confirmed risk factors are parental knowledge, female gender, and degree of oral hygiene and pain in the last three months, while age, type of TDI, presence of soft-tissue injury, and number of subjective complaints were not confirmed. The overall model predicted approximately 54% of variance in DFA, R2 = 0.545, F (4.215) = 64.28 p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasise the importance of addressing pain management, improving oral hygiene, and enhancing parental knowledge to mitigate DFA in children with TDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miroslav Hrelja
- Private Dental Office, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.K.); (M.H.); (Ž.L.)
| | - Željka Lovrić
- Private Dental Office, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.K.); (M.H.); (Ž.L.)
| | - Luka Šimunović
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bruno Špiljak
- School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Nika Supina
- School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Lara Vranić
- School of Dental Medicine Zagreb, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Dubravka Negovetić Vranić
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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