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

Background: 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. Aim: To evaluate anxiety, pain and/or discomfort related to dental treatment in 5- to 12-year-old children examined during a public holiday. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Statistics: 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). Conclusion: A high percentage of children presented with dental anxiety and a history of dental pain. © 2013 European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.