Are childhood oral health behaviours and experiences associated with dental anxiety in adolescence?

BACKGROUND: Dental anxiety is associated with untreated dental caries. Understanding which childhood behaviours or experiences have the strongest association with later dental anxiety may help focus preventative strategies, subsequently limiting the burden of dental caries and anxiety.

DESIGN: Data was obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore associations between adolescent dental anxiety and childhood behaviours and experiences. 1791 participants answered questions about oral health behaviours and experiences at eight years-of-age and dental anxiety questions aged seventeen.

RESULTS: Children with experience of invasive dental treatment were more likely to have dental anxiety at 17 years-of-age compared to those who had not experienced dental treatment (OR 1.63; 95%CI:1.12, 2.37; P=0.011). Irregular dental attenders in childhood had over three times the odds of dental anxiety by adolescence, compared to regular attenders (OR 3.67 95%CI:1.52,8.88; P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent dental anxiety is associated with invasive treatment and irregular dental attendance in childhood. A history of irregular attendance or invasive treatment may serve as useful predictors when considering dental anxiety in young adult patients. Early preventative care supports good attendance and oral health. These actions may have secondary effects of reducing future dental anxiety.