Reciprocal longitudinal relationship between dental fear and oral health in schoolchildren.
Fernanda Cunha SoaresRodrigo Antunes LimaDaniela M SalvadorMauro Virgilio Gomes de BarrosGöran DahllöfViviane ColaresPublished in: International journal of paediatric dentistry (2019)
We observed a reciprocal relationship between dental fear and poor oral health. Both parents and dentists should provide realistic information for the children, discouraging biased negative expectations regarding dental treatment. Ultimately, the child would acquire positive perceptions of the dental environment, reducing their phobia and consequently improving oral health.