Those with poor oral health are more likely to suffer from anxiety about dental procedures, it has been claimed.
Cosmetic Dentistry Guide reported researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand, have highlighted a link between those who have anxiety and those with poor oral health.
In a study of 1,000 participants, the scientists found that a quarter had developed anxiety over dental treatments in their teen years or as a young adult.
Ironically, the report noted that those who put off having dental treatments often needed more invasive and painful procedures when they finally did visit an emergency dentist over a problem, reinforcing their original anxiety.
Elsewhere, US-based local paper the Courier Journal recently reported that Dr Ted Raybould, a Lexington dentist and University of Kentucky professor, said people should not let their anxiety over tooth pain stop them from visiting a dentist on a regular basis.