Ansiedade em crianças no período pandêmico de Covid 19 e sua repercussão em técnicas de manejo odontopediátrico: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

During the pandemic, anxiety symptoms have been intensified in the general population, including children. The aim of this study was to conduct a literature review on childhood anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for alternative behavior management in pediatric dentistry. Research was performed in the PubMed database with the terms "anxiety", "COVID-19" and "children". Articles in English published in 2020 and 2021 were included, which analyzed the impact of the pandemic on individuals's anxiety. Studies conducted in a group with some specific need, with emphasis on health professionals, physical activity and university students, were excluded; 45 titles were identified, 14 of which met the eligibility criteria. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the lives of children and teenagers, resulting in the closure of schools, parks, theaters and other public places, limiting the opportunity for leisure and contact with friends. Quarantine and social isolation were a form of disease containment that had loneliness as a consequence. Greater interaction between parents and children can have benefits for children, strengthening cognitive and emotional development. It is essential to disseminate knowledge, prevention measures and projections of COVID-19, to improve the mental health of children. Anxiety is an emotional condition strongly influenced by external sources, in the pandemic period an increase in insecurity and fear can occur, and it may become a threat to dental treatment, being necessary to use management techniques in dental care. It is difficult to predict the effect that COVID-19 will have on the mental health of children and young people due to the short time of study, so the information is not conclusive.