Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Dental Anxiety in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC1966) Population

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity may be associated with dental anxiety; however, no studies exist on the topic. The aim of this study was to assess if ANS activity and dental anxiety are associated. Data were collected as part of a Northern Finland Birth Cohort Study, NFBC1966, at the age of 46 years with eligible data on 1905 participants. Dental anxiety was measured using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) categorized as follows: 19–25 = high, 10–18 = moderate, 5–9 = no to low dental anxiety. Heart rate variability (HRV) data were collected using an HR monitor and a standard lead-II electrocardiogram (ECG). Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was calculated from continuous ECG and blood pressure signals. Participants were categorized into three groups as follows: Low = the lowest 20th percentile, Mid = medium 21–79th percentile, and High = the highest 20th percentile according to their ANS variables. The associations between the MDAS and ANS activity parameters were evaluated using unordered multinomial logit models adjusted for comorbidities, β-blockers, BMI, smoking, and education. High heart rate, reduced HRV, low cardiac vagal modulation, and poor BRS were associated with moderate dental anxiety, and high cardiac vagal modulation and good BRS were associated with no to low dental anxiety. Poorer ANS activity might predispose some to dental anxiety, and better ANS activity might protect from dental anxiety.