Traditionally, dental fear and the associated psychological difficulties have long been a problem in adults as well as children. As a result, highly anxious patients may procrastinate in their care, cancel appointments, have problems in tolerating procedures while in the dental chair and even shun dental care at all. For that, dental fear is reported as being the greatest difficulty faced by dentists in terms of managing their patients. 

 

In children, researchers suggest that around eight per cent need special care due to the fear of treatment. It is suggested that dental anxiety effects in those patients persist in adulthood and may lead to oral health deterioration as a result of their avoidance of care.