Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods

Büşra Almas

doi:10.61139/ijdor.1833048

Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods

Abstract

Dental anxiety is a common psychological problem in pediatric dentistry and remains a major obstacle to successful treatment. Although various behavioral techniques and technological advancements have been introduced, many children still exhibit anxiety during dental procedures, leading to treatment avoidance, poorer oral health, and reduced cooperation. The etiology of dental anxiety is multifactorial, shaped by individual traits, family influences, and past dental experiences. Early and accurate assessment of anxiety levels is essential for guiding clinical decisions and selecting appropriate management strategies. Effective anxiety control enhances cooperation during treatment and helps establish positive attitudes toward oral care. This review summarizes the main causes of pediatric dental anxiety, commonly used assessment tools, and current evidence-based approaches for its management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for improved clinical outcomes.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Paedodontics

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Büşra Almas ^*
0009-0002-5964-2756
Türkiye

Publication Date

August 31, 2026

Submission Date

November 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 2, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1833048

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA63ZS82TJ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Almas, B. (2026). Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, 6(2), 206-215. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1833048

AMA

1.Almas B. Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2026;6(2):206-215. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1833048

Chicago

Almas, Büşra. 2026. “Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 6 (2): 206-15. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1833048.

EndNote

Almas B (August 1, 2026) Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 6 2 206–215.

IEEE

[1]B. Almas, “Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods”, HRU Int J Dent Oral Res, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 206–215, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.61139/ijdor.1833048.

ISNAD

Almas, Büşra. “Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 6/2 (August 1, 2026): 206-215. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1833048.

JAMA

1.Almas B. Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2026;6:206–215.

MLA

Almas, Büşra. “Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, vol. 6, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 206-15, doi:10.61139/ijdor.1833048.

Vancouver

1.Büşra Almas. Dental Anxiety in Children: A Review on Etiology, Prevalence, and Assessment Methods. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2026 Aug. 1;6(2):206-15. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1833048