Evasão do atendimento odontológico pelos adolescentes

Evasion from odontological care by adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Present the main reasons and consequences of the avoidance of odontological treatment by adolescents, and
propose viable solutions to reduce this evasion from dental offi ces. Source and Data Synthesis: Review of articles related
to anxiety during odontological treatment, their implications on the health of adolescents and the importance of health
education. According to the articles reviewed few adolescents receive information about the importance of prevention for
diseases in the oral cavity, resulting in the realization of restorative treatments more invasive and painful, which culminates
in increased anxiety when making an appointment with the dental surgeon, showing that health education is an essential
item to reverse this situation. Conclusion: Phobias developed by adolescents are directly related to the lack of information
of themselves and their families on health care and healing therapies; this may lead them away from the dental practices
and may cause irreparable damage to the oral health. Integrated policies for health education are, thus, of paramount
importance to assist control fear and anxiety of adolescents facing dental treatment.