Dental pain perception and emotional changes: on the relationship between dental anxiety and olfaction

Abstract

Background The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent olfactory aromatherapy reduces the intensity of dental pain and the level of dental anxiety. It also attempted to corelate between olfactory aromatherapy, stages of dental visits, and various dental procedures. Methods Female patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled study. Olfactory aromatherapy was performed using lavender oils. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the lavender group, in which patients inhaled 2% lavender vapors, and the control group, in which patients inhaled water vapors. Pain score, anxiety score, and changes in vital signs were among the predictable variables. Anxiety and pain were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and visual analog scales (VAS). The vital signs were systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (Spo2). Variables were evaluated before inhalations, 20 min after inhalations, at the end of settings, and on the following day. Results Each group had 175 participants. Pain and anxiety scores were significantly reduced, and all vital signs improved, except for DBP. The MDAS, STAI, and pain scores are reduced by 3.4, 4.2, and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to the control group. Olfactory aromatherapy had the greatest impact during the phase of waiting rooms. Conclusion When compared to the control group, olfactory aromatherapy reduces anxiety scores three to four times more. Pain perception is reduced by twice as much as in the control group. It also significantly reduces the anxiety associated with minor to moderately stressful dental procedures.

A study on related factors affecting dental fear in preschool children

“…Additionally, needles are frequently associated with medical procedures like injections and blood collection, which can frighten children [17,18]. Moreover, the sharp nature of needles may activate children's innate sense of vulnerability and self-preservation, contributing to their fear [19]. The fear of dentists could be attributed to children's unease around strangers and their unfamiliarity with medical environments.…”

The effect of aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli oil and music in management of pediatric dental anxiety: a randomized control trial

“…In this study, aromatherapy with Lavender-Neroli oil combined with music was effective in reducing dental anxiety and physiological parameters except SPO2 saturation compared to the control group. Sensory such as olfactory, auditory, and visual have inputs in the amygdala the part of the limbic system where emotions such as anxiety are developed [ 16 ]. Music induces an anxiolytic effect by suppressing the amygdala and releasing endorphins, such as dopamine in the limbic system [ 36 , 40 ].…”

“…Aromatic molecules also affect the limbic system and amygdala, which responds to olfactory stimulus by releasing anxiolytic neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which are happiness hormones that improve mood and induce calmness [ 11 , 16 ]. In addition, the components in essential oils play a pharmacological role in reducing anxiety.…”

Eficácia das técnicas de aromaterapia, musicoterapia e hipnose no controle do medo, dor e ansiedade no consultório odontológico

“…Ao comparar os diferentes óleos essenciais, um estudo obteve como resultado que o óleo de lavanda demonstrou maior significância na redução da ansiedade e medo objetivo e subjetivo no consultório odontológico, indicando que a aromaterapia oferece efeito promissor, recomendada como uma alternativa fácil para reduzir a ansiedade dos pacientes antes e durante o tratamento odontológico (Premkumar et al, 2019). Um outro recente estudo randomizado controlado, avaliou o uso da aromaterapia olfativa com óleos de lavanda, e obteve como resultado a melhora positiva dos sinais vitais e melhora na pressão arterial diastólica, onde o grau de mudança foram simultaneamente comparados a redução da dor por meio da inalação do aroma, reduziu os escores de ansiedade de três a quatro vezes quando comparada aos pacientes do grupo controle, que passaram pelo mesmo procedimento sem utilização do aroma (Alkanan et al, 2023). O uso de velas aromatizadas de lavanda na recepção do consultório também demonstrou ser uma ótima forma de manter o controle da ansiedade nos consultórios (Zabirunnisa et al, 2014).…”