Assessment of Self-Medication Behaviour in Response to Dental Pain in Two Populations, France

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Self-medication appears to be a common practice for dental pain. However, in France, its prevalence and patterns in dentistry have never been studied. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence and self-medication behaviours in two at-risk populations: patients consulting for acute pulpal or periapical pain and patients with dental anxiety requiring treatment under general anaesthesia. The secondary objective was to examine the influence of socio-behavioural factors on these practices. METHOD: Between April 2021 and May 2023, the behaviours of two at-risk population regarding self-medication were analysed in a cross-sectional observational study. The first population regrouped patients referred to an endodontic postemergency care unit after visiting the emergency service of a dental hospital. These patients were referred due to acute pulpal or periapical pain (Endodontic Group). The second population regrouped patients referred to a special care unit for dental treatment under general anaesthesia due to dental anxiety (Anxiety Group). Self-medication behaviours of the two at-risk populations were analysed with 5 self-administered questionnaires (self-medication, EPICES, IDAF-4C, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Socio-demographic data). Comparisons between the two population were done using Pearson's chi-square and Student's t tests. RESULTS: During the study period, 43 patients were included in the endodontic group and 66 in the anxiety group. Socio-demographic and behavioural data differed between the two groups. However, self-medication prevalence was similar (51.2% in the Endodontic Group vs 45.5% in the Anxiety Group), as were self-medication behaviours (types and number of substances used, methods of acquisition, knowledge). No socio-demographic or behavioural factors explained these attitudes. CONCLUSION: Self-medication in dentistry is often overlooked or poorly managed. Preventive measures and patient education on the proper use of medication are essential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Standardized cooperation protocols should be developed involving dentists and community pharmacists to optimize the management of patients suffering from dental pain.