[Preventing dental anxiety in adults and children].

Abstract

PREVENTING DENTAL ANXIETY IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN. In 2014, according to INSEE, dental anxiety affected 7% of the French population. Severity of anxiety can range from minor to severe, minor anxiety manifesting for patients as physical symptoms without compromising dental care to severe anxiety by avoiding dental consultation and compromising dental care. This article explains the problems associated with dental anxiety and suggests ways in which practitioners can help their patients to come to the dentist for dental care, in particular by using cognitive-behavioural therapies.