DENTAL ANXIETY AND THE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD DENTAL EXPERIENCES ON TREATMENT AVOIDANCE IN ADULTHOOD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Martyna Smogór; Maria Torchalska; Monika Szerszeń; Krzysztof Kowalik

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5718

Authors

Martyna Smogór Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6473-9472
Maria Torchalska Medical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5175-6053
Monika Szerszeń Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3145-8326
Krzysztof Kowalik Clinical Department of General Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8928-7578

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5718

Keywords:

Dental Anxiety; Dentophobia; Childhood Experiences; Dental Avoidance; Oral Health; Avoidance Behavior; Vicious Cycle Of Dental Anxiety

Abstract

Introduction: Dental anxiety is a significant health problem that affects the use of dental care worldwide. Negative dental experiences in childhood are considered one of the major etiological factors contributing to the development of anxiety and avoidance behaviors in adulthood.

Aim: The aim of this review was to analyze the influence of childhood dental experiences on the development of dental anxiety and avoidance of dental treatment in adulthood.

Material and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Publications from January 2000 to February 2026 were included. The search strategy combined keywords related to dental anxiety, childhood experiences, and dental avoidance.

Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated a significant association between negative dental experiences in childhood and increased levels of dental anxiety later in life. Dental anxiety was strongly associated with avoidance of dental visits, leading to deterioration of oral health and the need for more invasive treatments. Cognitive factors such as catastrophic thinking and perceived loss of control were identified as important elements in maintaining the vicious cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

Conclusions: Childhood dental experiences play a significant role in shaping dental anxiety and avoidance behaviors in adulthood. Early preventive care, positive dental experiences, and effective communication strategies may reduce the risk of developing dental anxiety and improve adherence to regular dental visits.

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