A controlled trial of the impact of exposure to positive images of dentistry on anticipatory dental fear in children

Abstract

Viewing positive images of dentistry and dentists results in short-term reductions in anticipatory anxiety in children.

Components Affecting Dental Fear in Adults: A Cross Sectional Study

“…Relaxation and distraction techniques have been found to be effective in lessening anxiety among patients visiting the dental clinic (Hainswoth et al, 2005;Corah et al, 1979). Some distraction techniques in dental practice are aroma therapy (Jafarzadeh et al, 1985), music therapy (Aitken et al, 2002), the viewing of relaxing pictures or images (Fox and Newton, 2006) and the use of virtual reality techniques with 3D glasses (Sullivan et al, 2000). Other anxiety-lowering techniques include the progressive muscle relaxation technique developed by Jacobsen, which induces relaxation through the reduction of muscle tension by contracting and relaxing the muscles by groups (Kohl, 2002).…”

The management of dental anxiety: time for a sense of proportion?

“…The distinctive feature of this intervention is the fact that it is employed after the dental procedure and seeks to tackle the cognitions around the dental experience • Environmental change: three studies have sought to make the dental environment more attractive to children attending the dental surgery. [18][19][20] . For example, Fox and Newton 20 reported a decreased state of anxiety following exposure to positive images of the dental surgery as opposed to neutral images before treatment.…”

“…[18][19][20] . For example, Fox and Newton 20 reported a decreased state of anxiety following exposure to positive images of the dental surgery as opposed to neutral images before treatment. Based upon theories of social learning and cognitive reconstruction, the authors aimed to provide positive cognitions concerning a trip to the dental clinic, in nonphobic children.…”

A consulta no setting odontopediátrico: A percepção subjectiva do medo

“…O medo do dentista é comum entre as crianças. Um estudo recente, que incluiu oito países europeus, evidenciou que 35% das crianças observadas com 5 anos e 21% das crianças com 12 anos eram consideradas com medo, mesmo antes de experenciarem uma visita ao dentista (Fox & Newton, 2006). Apesar da melhoria progressivamente registada em Portugal, em termos da saúde oral, e na evolução positiva em termos dos materiais, das técnicas, e da formação do médico dentista, o sofrimento e o comportamento desajustado continuam a ser prevalentes entre a população infantil (Raadal et al, 1995;Brill, 2000;Do, 2004;Sheller, 2004).…”

“…Na realidade, existe evidência empírica de que mostrar imagens positivas num contexto dentário permite reduzir a ansiedade das crianças (Fox & Newton, 2006). Embora em Odontopediatria o medo e a gestão de problemas comportamentais partilhem muito em comum, a evidência empírica sugere, tal como neste estudo, que necessitam de ser analisados como problemáticas distintas (Klingberg, Sillén, & Norén, 1999).…”