Dental anxiety and oral health: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

The article focuses on the relationship between dental anxiety (DA) and oral health based on findings from the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6). Using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the study assessed DA prevalence and its association with dental caries, periodontitis, and tooth loss among younger adults (35–44 years) and younger seniors (65–74 years). Results showed that 26.4% of younger adults and 22.8% of younger seniors reported DA, with higher prevalence in women; increasing DA severity correlated with more untreated caries, greater periodontal treatment needs, advanced periodontitis, and increased numbers of missing and non-replaced teeth. The study concludes that even moderate DA negatively impacts oral health, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and education about DA among dental professionals to mitigate its harmful effects.