CORRELATION BETWEEN SELF ASSESSED ORAL HEALTH AND DENTAL ANXIETY ON ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF YOUNG ADULT INDIAN POPULATION.

*Dr. Aditi Mathur

ABSTRACT

Dental anxiety can lead to avoidance strategies to evade dental visits. This in turn might affect the oral behavior and in turn impact the self assessed oral health of an individual. The aim of the present study is to understand the complex behavioral aspect of dental anxiety and its effect on oral health status. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among young adult population of Udaipur city. A self prepared questionnaire with self-assessed dental status and behaviour, as well as the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) was being used. Dental caries status was evaluated using decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMTF). Results: Among the total young adult population normative DAS score was seen in 21% participants while high dental anxiety i.e. a DAS score of 13 or higher was seen in 33.5% participants. Higher levels of dental fear were reported by females.

Keywords: Dental caries, DAS, Dental phobia, Dental visit, Tobacco.