Genetic variations associated with red hair color and fear of dental pain, anxiety regarding dental care and avoidance of dental care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Red hair color is caused by variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. People with naturally red hair are resistant to subcutaneous local anesthetics and, therefore, may experience increased anxiety regarding dental care. The authors tested the hypothesis that having natural red hair color, a MC1R gene variant or both could predict a patient's experiencing dental care-related anxiety and dental care avoidance.

Methods

The authors enrolled 144 participants (67 natural red-haired and 77 dark-haired) aged 18 to 41 years in a cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed validated survey instruments designed to measure general and dental care-specific anxiety, fear of dental pain and previous dental care avoidance. The authors genotyped partici

SUBMITTER: Binkley CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2740987 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature