Prevention and control of dental erosion: Psychological management

Abstract

Dentists often come across patients with psychological difficulties that underlie their dental problems, and dealing with these may be an integral part of their treatment. This chapter explains how anxiety, fear, depression, obsessivecompulsive problems, and eating disorders may prevent these patients from seeking dental treatment or reluctant to learn how to improve on their dental health. It is important to emphasize that knowledge and skills involved in the psychological assessment and management can play an important part in the prevention of dental erosion. Psychoeducation leaflets are recommended to help them improve their future dental health. Dental schools can incorporate relevant psychological training in their core curriculum.