Income, education and social isolation linked to dental anxiety in new report

The study, published in the International Dental Journal, revealed that dental anxiety can heavily impact on people psychologically and socially, leading to feelings such as shame, poor self-confidence and social isolation.

Key elements of social wellbeing, such as income and education, were also negatively affected by dental anxiety Those questioned were almost twice as likely to be on a lower income if they feared dental visits. Results also showed they were twice as likely to suffer from poor oral health.

More than 10 million adults in the United Kingdom have some level of dental anxiety, with an estimated six million suffering from dental phobia.

Following the publication of this remarkable research, leading oral health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, is drawing attention the importance of overcoming dental anxiety and the effect that it can have far beyond the mouth.

Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “About one in five Brits admit to being afraid or anxious about visiting a dentist in Britain.