Spanish researchers looked at 183 children, 7-12 years of age, and their families. The higher was the level of fear or anxiety about the dentist a member of the family, the higher the level in the other family, they found.
The researchers also found that feelings Dad about going to the dentist play a key role if mom fears about the dentist is transmitted to the children, the team of the University Rey Juan Carlos of Madrid.
"Although the results must be interpreted with proper care, children seem to pay attention mainly to the emotional reactions of parents when deciding whether the situations at the dentist are potentially stressful," he said in a press release of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology study co-author Lara Sacido America.
The findings show the need to involve parents (especially dads) in efforts to prevent children fear them to the dentist, and the need that parents go to the dentist regularly without showing signs of fear or anxiety , the researchers suggested.
"As for the dental clinic attendance, work with parents is key," said Lara Sacido. "They seem relaxed as a way to directly ensure that your child is relaxed too."
The study appears in a recent issue of the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry.
Article by HealthDay