New Study Aims to Break the Cycle of Dental Anxiety

AUSTRALIA: Dental anxiety, a widespread issue affecting many adults, often stems from traumatic experiences during childhood. A recent study conducted in Queensland, Australia, explores innovative ways to address this pervasive problem. The research focuses on breaking what experts call a “vicious cycle” of dental anxiety, which can lead to prolonged avoidance of necessary dental care.

Cheryl Hart (pictured), a Brisbane resident, exemplifies the long-term effects of such childhood trauma. Her experience with a difficult wisdom tooth extraction at the age of 10 left her with anxiety that persisted for over five decades. Hart recounts, “I can still remember the experience. I had a fair bit of anxiety going back to the dentist.”

The Compounding Effects of Dental Avoidance

Dr. Ratilal Lalloo from the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry emphasizes the snowball effect of dental anxiety. As patients continue to avoid appointments due to fear, their dental issues often worsen, leading to more complex and costly treatments. This pattern reinforces the anxiety, creating what Dr. Lalloo describes as a “vicious cycle.”

The importance of maintaining good dental health cannot be overstated, particularly as individuals age. Dr. Lalloo asserts that dental health is “critical” for maintaining a good quality of life into old age.

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Innovative Approach to Tackling Dental Anxiety

Brisbane dentist Ian Davies, in collaboration with Regina Rowlison, has developed a novel therapy tool aimed at addressing dental anxiety. The approach involves patients watching a short self-empowerment video daily for 90 days.

To test the effectiveness of this method, Davies partnered with Dr. Lalloo on a pilot study. Although the initial trial involved only nine participants, the results were promising. Participants were evaluated using a dental anxiety scale ranging from one to five, with scores above 2.5 indicating significant anxiety levels.

Davies reports, “When you look at the dental anxiety scale, anyone with a score of 2.5 or above is considered to have a significant level of dental anxiety.” The study found that the average anxiety score dropped from 4.1 at the beginning of the trial to 1.7 after the 90-day intervention.

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Psychological Perspectives on Dental Anxiety Treatment

While digital tools show promise, psychological experts emphasize the importance of established therapeutic approaches. Dr. Catriona Davis McCabe, president of the Australian Psychological Society, advocates for cognitive behavioural therapy as the most effective treatment for dental anxiety.

Dr. Davis McCabe suggests that digital health tools can be beneficial for mild anxiety cases but should be viewed as “an addition to psychological therapy” rather than a replacement, especially for more complex mental health issues.

Personal Success Story

The study’s impact is evident in Cheryl Hart’s experience. After participating in the trial, Hart noted significant improvements in her ability to manage dental appointments. She states, “Going forward into your older years, you really need good teeth — and you really need to look after them,” highlighting the importance of overcoming dental anxiety for long-term health.

As researchers continue to explore innovative methods to address dental anxiety, the hope is that more individuals will be able to overcome their fears and maintain good oral health throughout their lives.