Dental anxiety and fear: A potential barrier to periodontal health.

Among 238 Asian adults, those with high dental anxiety were significantly more likely to attend dental appointments irregularly, have moderate to severe periodontitis, and show increased gum bleeding compared with those with low anxiety. Treatment costs and fear of painful procedures were the main anxiety triggers.

A plain-English summary of the study's own findings — we don't add our own claims or interpretation. Read the full paper for the complete methods and results, and apply your own clinical judgement.