Salivary Cortisol, Salivary Alpha Amylase, and the Dental Anxiety Scale

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between dental anxiety, salivary cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels. Furthermore, the aim was to look into individual differences such as age, race, gender, any existing pain, or traumatic dental experience and their effect on dental anxiety. This study followed a cross-sectional design and included a convenience sample of 46. Every patient was asked to complete the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and a basic demographic/dental history questionnaire. A saliva sample, utilizing the method of passive drooling, was then collected in 2-mL cryovials. Samples were analyzed for salivary cortisol and sAA levels by Salimetrics. Significant associations were observed between DAS scores and presence of pain and history of traumatic dental experience. However, no significant correlations were observed between DAS, cortisol, and sAA levels. Our study reconfirms that dental anxiety is associated with presence of pain and a history of traumatic dental experience. On the other hand, our study was the first to our knowledge to test the correlation between the DAS and sAA; nevertheless, our results failed to show any significant correlation between dental anxiety, cortisol, and sAA levels.

Evaluation of Salivary Alpha Amylase as a Biomarker for Dental Anxiety

“…In the same study that utilized a corneal transplant surgery video as stressful process, similar results to the results of the present study were obtained (17). In the study by Sadi et al, increase of SAA in patients undergoing routine dental examinations was not observed (1). Various reasons can justify this lack of correlation in the study by Sadi because in this study, saliva samples were taken only once and before examining patients, and the patients had no history of dental treatment and dental pain.…”

“…STAI is a standard questionnaire that measures general anxiety) (17). However, Sadi et al did not find any correlation between scores of the Corah's DAS and SAA questionnaires (1). This lack of relationship may be due to sampling saliva in a non-stressful situation and lack of dental pain history of the participants under study.…”

“…According to a study, no significant relationship was observed between anxiety level based on Corah's DAS questionnaire mean score with age, gender, and race (1).…”

“…are involved in its development (1)(2)(3). Studies have shown that dental anxiety can cause decayed-missing-filled teeth index (DMFT) increase, restrict the provision of oral health care services, increase in emergency dental referrals, jeopardize dentist-patient relationship, decrease oral health quality of life, and psychosocial health (1,3). All these cases lead to a defective cycle that ultimately creates more anxiety in the patient (4).…”

Correlation Between Anxiety in Mothers and Children With Sensory Impairments Before Dental Treatment

“…Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon which affects the process of delivering proper dental care to society in almost all age ranges [1,2]. The causes of this problem vary from lack of knowledge to environmental perception.…”