Evaluation of dental anxiety in preschool children using different behavior guidance techniques and its association with oral health

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of magic tricks, mobile games, and the tell-show-do technique on dental anxiety in preschool children and to examine the relationship between these techniques and oral health. The study included 120 children aged 4–5 years with no systemic diseases and no prior dental visits. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three behavioral guidance groups: magic tricks, mobile games, or the tell-show-do technique, based on age and gender. The study involved two dental visits. During the first visit, dental examinations were performed, and dmft/dmfs and pufa indices scores were recorded. In the second visit, a restoration was performed on a maxillary primary molar with occlusal caries requiring no anesthesia. Before and after examination/treatment procedures in both visits, Frankl Behavior Scale, Wong-Baker Pain Scale, Facial Image Scale, oxygen saturation, and heart rate values were measured. The collected data were statistically analyzed. After the first visit, oxygen saturation levels in the magic trick and mobile game groups were higher than in the tell-show-do group. During the second visit, post-intervention and post-treatment oxygen saturation levels in the tell-show-do group were lower than in the other groups. Post-treatment heart rate and Wong-Baker Pain Scale scores were higher in the tell-show-do group compared to the magic trick and mobile game groups. Additionally, post-intervention and post-treatment Frankl Behavior Scale scores were lower in the tell-show-do group. No significant differences were observed among groups in the Facial Image Scale evaluations. A positive correlation was identified between dmft indices scores and pre-examination Wong-Baker Pain Scale and Facial Image Scale scores, while pufa indices scores correlated positively with heart rate and Facial Image Scale scores and negatively with Frankl Behavior Scale scores. Game-based and entertaining approaches are effective in managing dental anxiety in preschool children and facilitate adaptation to the dental environment.