Evaluation of the relationship between dental anxiety in children and the extent and severity of untreated dental caries

Background: Dental anxiety can be effective in how parents manage children's oral health and even lead to avoiding dental treatments. Dental anxiety is a common problem that pediatric dentists face on a daily basis. This issue can lead to avoiding dental treatments. In this study, we decided to investigate the relationship between dental anxiety in children and the amount and severity of untreated dental caries. Methods: 125 children referring to the pediatric department of Gilan Dental Faculty, aged 4-7, who have at least one tooth with dental caries and pufa index ≥ 1 in milk teeth, were selected. FIS scale was used to evaluate children's dental anxiety. Then dmft index was used to calculate the level of dental caries experience in primary teeth and pufa index was used to classify the severity of the disease. Results: : Based on the obtained results, there was a significant relationship between dental anxiety in children and caries in girls. However, no significant relationship was found between the level of dental anxiety in children and the level and severity of untreated caries according to other factors including age and socio-economic factors. Conclusion: According to the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that there is no relationship between dental anxiety and the degree and severity of untreated caries, and factors such as age and socio-economic factors do not affect the dental anxiety level of children with untreated dental caries