Dental pain and oral health-related quality of life in individuals with severe dental anxiety

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence and level of dental pain among adult individuals with severe dental anxiety (DA), and the association between dental pain and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: The study was based on 170 adult individuals with DA referred to a specialized DA clinic. All patients answered a questionnaire including questions on DA (DAS, DFS), OHRQoL (OIDP) and dental pain. An adapted clinical examination and a panoramic radiograph revealed the present oral status. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental pain was high (77.6%) and among those reporting pain the intensity was high (49.0-61.0 on a VAS). One or more problems during the last 6 months with the mouth or teeth affecting the individual's daily activities were reported in 85.3% of the participants. Individuals who reported dental pain had lower OHRQoL compared with those who did not report dental pain (p < .001). Dental pain and number of decayed teeth were associated with the probability of poor OHRQoL (OR = 8.2, p < .001, OR = 3.8, p = .008). CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high prevalence and a high level of dental pain among adult individuals with severe DA. Having dental pain was associated with poor OHRQoL.