Do parents' dental neglect and anxiety affect their children's dental neglect and anxiety?

Abstract

Aim: Dental neglect is an obstacle to obtaining the necessary dental care in protecting and maintaining basic oral health. Dental anxiety can cause difficulties in behavior management, maintenance of dental treatments, and poor oral hygiene. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between dental neglect and anxiety levels of both parents and their children. Material and Methods: 220 people including 110 parents and 110 children were included in the study. The Dental Neglect Scale (DNS), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used for parents. In addition, the Dental Neglect Scale (DNS), the Faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf), and the Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFS) were applied to children. The statistical analysis was performed using Spearman Correlation test and Mann Whitney-U test. Results: In the study, a positive correlation was found between parent’s and children's neglect scores (r=0.261; p=0.006). Likewise, a positive correlation was observed between the DMFT and anxiety scores of the children (r=0.237; p= 0.013). In addition, it was observed that there was a statistical correlation between the level of pain felt at the last dental treatment and anxiety in children (r=0.316; p=0.001). Conclusion: It was observed that the dental neglect of the children of parents who neglected their own oral health increased. It is thought that informing parents about the importance of oral health and the consequences of dental neglect will have positive effects on their children's oral health.