Kaskova L. F., Ulasevych L. P., Amosova L. I., Pavlenkova O. S., Khmil O. V., Yanko N. V., Sadovski M. O., Bielikova D. Ye.

DENTAL ANXIETY AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT AGES

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About the author:

Kaskova L. F., Ulasevych L. P., Amosova L. I., Pavlenkova O. S., Khmil O. V., Yanko N. V., Sadovski M. O., Bielikova D. Ye.

Heading:

DENTISTRY

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

Despite the active development of caries prevention methods, the level of tooth decay in children remains high, and dentophobia is a significant barrier to timely treatment. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the level of dental anxiety in children of different age groups and the prevalence of caries, as well as to determine the role of parental anxiety in shaping the child's behaviour during dental appointments. The study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Therapeutic Dentistry, where 90 somatically healthy children were examined: 40 children aged 5–6 years and 50 children aged 12 years. The level of dental anxiety was determined using the Korach scale (DAS), while oral hygiene was assessed using the Fedorov-Volodkina index. The intensity of caries was evaluated according to the dmft/DMFT indices, in accordance with the Leus method. The results showed that preschool children demonstrate significantly higher anxiety levels than adolescents, with 70% of children aged 5–6 years old exhibiting pronounced dentophobia. Increased anxiety levels correlated with more severe caries and poorer oral hygiene indicators. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the level of anxiety in children and their parents, which emphasises the importance of the family factor. Thus, dental anxiety in children can be considered a risk factor for the development of caries, which necessitates early psychoprophylaxis and an individualised approach as part of a comprehensive prevention programme.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2025 Issue 3,178, 540-546 pages, index UDC 616.314-002-053.2:159.942.5

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2025-3-178-540-546