FEAR IN CHILDREN FROM 4 TO 8 YEARS OLD, THEIR DENTAL EXPERIENCES AND MATERNAL ANXIETY

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between dental fear in children from 4 to 8 years old, their dental experiences and maternal anxiety in the Pediatric Dentistry service of the Regional Hospital of Cusco. A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective and correlational study was carried out. The population was 1064 children between 4 to 8 years old, male and female, leaving the sample made up of 150 patients after meeting the inclusion criteria. 98% of children presented a low level of fear of dental treatment; children between 6 and 7 years old presented higher levels of fear. Mothers of children with the highest number of dental visits (more than six times) had lower levels of anxiety and positive treatment behavior. There was no statistically significant relationship between the variables studied.