Gagging and Feelings of Disgust: Forgotten Reactions in Dental Treatment?

Overview

This cross-sectional study aims to validate two questionnaires: one measuring gagging related to dental treatment, and another assessing feelings of disgust and aversion. It also explores associations with self-reported experiences, including dental fear and a history of abuse. Gagging and disgust in dental settings are complex reactions that may hinder access to necessary care, affecting oral health and quality of life. The study includes two anonymous surveys: * Young adults from Vestland County, recruited via SMS * Dental and dental hygiene students at the University of Bergen Validated instruments were used, including DPSS-R, Predictive Gagging Survey, GPA, MDAS, and IOIF-s.

This study aims to validate two questionnaires: one assessing gagging related to dental treatment, and another measuring feelings of disgust and aversion in dental treatment. Additionally, the study explores associations between these responses and self-reported life experiences, including sexual abuse and dental fear. Gagging and disgust in dental settings are complex responses with both biological and psychological components. For affected individuals, these reactions may interfere with the ability to receive necessary dental care, with potential negative consequences for oral health and quality of life. This quantitative cross-sectional study includes data that were partially used in a master's thesis at the University of Bergen (2023), conducted as part of the broader research project. The study consists of two sub-studies: Sub-study I: Young adults from Vestland County were recruited via SMS to complete an anonymous online survey. Sub-study II: Dental and dental hygiene students at the University of Bergen were invited via the learning platform Mitt UiB. The surveys collected data on participants' experiences with gagging, dental fear, fear of intraoral injections, and disgust/aversion. Psychometric instruments used included the Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity - Revised (DPSS-R), The Predictive Gagging Survey, Gagging Problem Assessment (GPA), Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Intra- Oral Injection Fear scale (IOIF). The study contributes to the validation of tools for assessing gagging and disgust in dental care, and increases knowledge about possible associations between gagging, aversion, dental anxiety, and history of abuse.