Dental anxiety in children

Abstract

Dental anxiety (DA) in children is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for oral health and overall well-being. Understanding  the factors contributing to dental anxiety, its impact on oral health, and effective strategies for assessment and management is crucial  for dental practitioners to provide optimal care to paediatric patients. This literature review explores the complex landscape of dental  anxiety in children, shedding light on its contributing factors, consequences for oral health, and evidence-based approaches to  assessment and management. This literature review encompasses an extensive review of a curated selection comprising 27 articles,  research papers, and pertinent websites such as Google Scholar, Pubmed, Semantic Scholar, and Research Gate, spanning the years 2007  to 2022. The chosen body of literature was carefully curated to provide a comprehensive exploration of dental anxiety in children. Dental fear and anxiety are major challenges influenced by various factors, necessitating a comprehensive approach to management.  Understanding the contributing factors and the implementation of behavioral and pharmacological management can contribute to  creating a more comfortable and anxiety-free dental experience for patients. Continued research efforts as well as collaboration between  professions are paramount in refining and expanding effective strategies to address dental anxiety