Original Article

Year : 2021 | Volume : 5 | Issue : 2 | Page : 60 - 65

Effect of aromatherapy on dental patient anxiety: A cross‐sectional study

Ashmita Chabria, Sandhya Tamgadge, Avinash Tamgadge

Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Sandhya Tamgadge, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, School of Dentistry,

D Y Patil University, Sector 7, Nerul, Navi Mumbai ‐ 400 706, Maharashtra, India.

E‐mail: sandhya.tamgadge@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:

The pure essence of the aromatic essential oils provides both psychological and physiological beneficial effects. These oils are known for their unwinding, carminative, and sedative effects. Hence, an endeavor was made to investigate the olfactory impacts of these oils on the state of mind, physiology, and behavior during dental treatment.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the patients were divided into two groups (study and control group). Both the groups comprising patients of various ages. A total of 45 patients were assessed. In the study group, the aromatic odor of lavender essential oil was maintained with the help of scented perfumes and candles in the waiting area, and in the control group, normal candles were used as the armamentarium for aromatherapy. A questionnaire comprising demographic information and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale was given to patients in the waiting room, and data regarding anxiety levels were recorded.

Observations and Results:

Various observations were made based on the recordings made by the patients in both the groups, and it was found that the anxiety levels in patients in the study group reduced slightly with aromatherapy as compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion:

Inhalation aromatherapy had positive effects on reducing anxiety in patients before the treatments. Hence, this should be recommended as a new and alternative way to reduce anxiety in patients before treatment. This will thus improve the behavior and approach of the patients to the treatment.

Keywords: Anxiety, aroma, aromatherapy, dental fear, dentistry, lavender oil

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Chabria A, Tamgadge S, Tamgadge A. Effect of aromatherapy on dental patient anxiety: A cross-sectional study. Int J Clinicopathol Correl 2021;5:60-5.