Study: Redheads Twice As Likely To Avoid Dentist

[Jamie Bull]

I saw a news article this morning about redheads increased likelihood of having anxiety related to going to the dentist. Just from my own experience having dated a redhead for the past six years, I have to say that I am not too surprised. In the years since moving away from home after college, she has found a new primary care physician and eye doctor, but still insists on going to her childhood dentist, knowing that she can trust him to take good care of her.

The study in the July edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association found that redheads (only the natural ones obviously) were twice as likely to avoid the dentist as blonds and brunettes because of fear-related anxiety.

I have heard about redheads increased sensitivity to pain and bruising, so it makes sense to me that they are more likely to have anxiety about a hygienist poking and prodding around their ultra-sensitive gums.

Existing research suggests that redheads may require 20% more of anesthetics for the drugs to be effective, but from my own anecdotal experience, I've seen some prescription medications effect my girlfriend much more than expected.

Have you ever had any patients that support what this study found? Do you find yourself working to create a stronger patient-dentist relationship or offering more relaxation techniques when seeing redheads in your practice?