Negative memories of dental care during childhood and adolescence are strongly associated with dental anxiety in adulthood

Dental anxiety affects a substantial proportion of the population and has a multifactorial aetiology. This study aimed to assess and quantify the association between retrospectively reported memories of dental care experiences in childhood and adolescence and dental anxiety in adulthood. We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult patients attending the Dental Care Centre of Rennes University Hospital (France) where participants voluntarily completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire while attending their dental appointment. Adult dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and childhood/adolescent dental memories were self-reported and categorized as negative, neutral, or positive. Of 1,311 returned questionnaires, 1,222 were analyzed (93.2%). Associations between retrospectively reported childhood/adolescent dental memories and adult dental anxiety were examined using multivariable regression models. Severe dental anxiety (MDAS ≥ 19) was observed in 8.3% of participants. Negative memories of dental care during childhood or adolescence were significantly associated with higher adult dental anxiety compared with neutral memories (adjusted mean difference in MDAS score: +3.90 points, 95% CI 3.28 to 4.53, p < 0.001). Negative memories were also associated with markedly higher odds of severe dental anxiety (adjusted OR = 8.44, 95% CI 4.78 to 15.72, p < 0.001). Negative memories of dental care during childhood and adolescence were associated with greater dental anxiety in adulthood, including severe dental anxiety. Although causality cannot be inferred, considering patients’ past dental experiences may help clinicians identify individuals at higher risk and tailor communication and management strategies.