Dental fear in sexually abused women

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate dental fear in women who have been exposed to different kinds of sexual abuse. In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, 99 sexually abused women were divided into three groups: one group who reported having been exposed to sexual touching (ST); one group who reported intercourse (IC); and one group who reported sexual abuse involving oral penetration (OP). The mean score on dental fear assessments was significantly higher for all groups than for Norwegian women in general. Women in the OP group scored significantly higher than women in other groups on dental fear. The majority of the women reported that they had experienced problems in relation to dental treatment situations. About half of the women in the OP group and one-third in the other groups reported that they had never considered that there was a relationship between the abuse and their problems with dental treatment situations. Significantly more women in the OP group reported that they had not been aware of the relationship, possibly because the abuse had been repressed. The majority of the women with extreme dental fear had never informed a dentist that they had been sexually abused.

Access to special care dentistry, part 6. Special care dentistry services for young people

“…83 Willumsen reported that 75% of women who have reported abuse that included oral penetration had high levels of dental fear. 22,83 The ability of these individuals to accept minor or major discomfort associated with instru ments in the mouth was reduced and feeling unable to breathe and/or severe gagging or choking interfering with treatment delivery were increased. 71 It is also important to note that men who have experienced CSA are more likely than women to have experienced abuse involving oral sex.…”

“…81 Parallels have been drawn between the long-term effects of CSA and the spe cifi c factors that lead to increased stress being in a horizontal position, feeling claustrophobic, being alone with some one more powerful, loss of control and anticipating or experiencing pain. 71,83,84 Additionally, the oral cavity is a frequent site of CSA 85 and while visible signs of CSA involving the oral cavity are rare, 86 their emotional significance has a long lasting impact. 83 Willumsen reported that 75% of women who have reported abuse that included oral penetration had high levels of dental fear.…”

“…71,83,84 Additionally, the oral cavity is a frequent site of CSA 85 and while visible signs of CSA involving the oral cavity are rare, 86 their emotional significance has a long lasting impact. 83 Willumsen reported that 75% of women who have reported abuse that included oral penetration had high levels of dental fear. 22,83 The ability of these individuals to accept minor or major discomfort associated with instru ments in the mouth was reduced and feeling unable to breathe and/or severe gagging or choking interfering with treatment delivery were increased.…”

“…22,71,[80][81][82][83] As yet, most of the studies are relatively small, no doubt diminished by rare disclosure to dentists and repres sion of CSA experiences, 83 but clearly women with a high degree of dental fear are more likely to have been victims of trauma (childhood neglect, sexual molestation or rape), 80 with up to 34% of them reporting a history of childhood molestation, attempted rape or incest. 81 Parallels have been drawn between the long-term effects of CSA and the spe cifi c factors that lead to increased stress being in a horizontal position, feeling claustrophobic, being alone with some one more powerful, loss of control and anticipating or experiencing pain.…”

Management of fear and anxiety in the dental clinic: a review

“…[30][31][32] There is also an observed association between dental anxiety and having been the victim of past sexual abuse. 33,34 All these various factors might be indirectly or directly implicated in a patient's dental-related anxiety and should be determined when appropriate.…”