Fearing your next trip to the dentist?

Psychology researchers have discovered evidence of a genetic basis for fearing dental treatment. The authors found that some of the genes that influence fear of pain likely also influence dental fear. Cameron Randall and Daniel McNeil reported that dental care related fear and anxiety is due to genetic influences inherited from parents. The study suggests that genetics, in addition to environmental factors, can be a foundation for patients fearing dental treatment.

The study shows that fear of pain is also inherited. The authors found that some of the genes that influence fear of pain also influence dental fear. This offers new information that explains how fear of pain may provide to the development of dental fear.

Our genes may affect us to be more vulnerable to developing dental fear, possibly through pain-related variables. The study used a unique method to report inherited dental fear in a large sample of family-based applicants.

Fearing the dentist is common, with fears affecting ten to twenty percent of U.S. adults. Individuals who avoid the dentist out of fear end up with significant oral health problems. Researchers are trying to understand the causes and cures of this known health problem. This information may help scientists develop new ways to treat dental fear and phobia.

I found this article very interesting. I have always wondered why some individuals are scared to go to the dentist. Learning that some of the genes that influence fear of pain also influence dental fear was fascinating. Dental fear affects up to twenty-five percent of the common population. The fact that fearing to go to the dentist is due to genetic influences inherited from parents amazes me.