Dental anxiety in the elderly |
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| Authors: | Andrée Liddell David Locker |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Memorial University of Newfoundland , St. John's, Canada , NFAIB 3X9;2. University of Toronto , 124 Edward Street, Toronto, Canada , ON M5G 1G6 |
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| Abstract: | Abstract This review of the literature shows that dental anxiety in the elderly has been estimated at a much lower level than that found in the general population. However, it is thought that the problem may have been underestimated because older persons may have masked their feelings by minimizing their needs for dental treatment. It is suggested that dentists need to address the special needs of the older dental patients if they wish to have them utilize their services. Older persons' needs can be met only with a greater understanding and tolerance of ageing processes than has been shown in the past. The decrease of dental anxiety with age found in cross-sectional studies needs to be confirmed by longitudinal studies. |
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| Keywords: | Elderly dental anxiety dental fear dental phobia. |
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