Examination of the effect of aromatherapy on dental anxiety in child patients

Aim: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of aromatic essential oils on dental anxiety during tooth extraction in children. Material and Method: In this study, there were 220 children aged 7-10 years, who applied to Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Dentistry, with an indication for extraction of at least one of their lower primary molars. Children were divided into 4 groups and different aromatic oils were smelled before tooth extraction. Dental anxiety was evaluated objectively by measuring their pulse and saturation during the tooth extraction procedure, and subjectively using the Face Image Scale. Wong Baker Pain Scale was used in the evaluation of pain sensations.Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance were applied in the statistical analysis of the data. Duncan's multiple comparison test was used to compare the means. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between and within the groups in the gender and age distribution of the children included in the study (p>0,05). It was observed that the anxiety of children during tooth extraction increased most during the anesthesia procedure. (p<0,05). It was determined that lavender and orange oil were more effective than rose oil in managing dental anxiety. Lavender oil was found to be more effective than orange oil (p<0,05). Conclusion: Aromatherapeutic essential oils have been found to reduce dental anxiety and pain sensation in children. The use of essential oils may be recommended to manage anxiety during dental procedures. Keywords: Aromatherapy; Essential oils; Dental anxiety; Pediatric dentistry