Fear of the dentist among children is not a new phenomenon but a new study about the origin of that fear may be surprising. The Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid initiated a study that analyzed the role parents play in their children's fear of the dentist. Several other studies have already suggested emotional transition between the parents' and children's fear levels exists but the intricacies of the role of each parent have not been investigated.
This study analyzed 183 children, aged 7 to 12 years, and their parents in the community around Madrid. The author of the study concluded that fear levels among fathers, mothers, and children are linked.
Furthermore, the study results suggested that fear of the dentist in just one family member may increase the anxiety in others, with a key factor being the father. The father acts a a mediating factor in the transmission of dentist fear from the mother to the children. Previous studies have supported this in that children seem to mainly pay attention to the father's emotional reactions when deciding if the dentist is potentially stressful.
Positive emotional transmission of attitudes towards the dentist is possible is two key implications of this study are met. There is a need for mothers and especially fathers to participate in dentist fear prevention. It is also suggested that fathers attend the dentist and show no signs of fear or anxiety.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/252954.php
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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