Anxiolytic Effect of Jasmine Aromatherapy in Pediatric Dental Procedures: A Single-Blinded Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic effect of jasmine aromatherapy in pediatric dental procedures. Materials and Methods: A parallel randomized single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed and conducted from February 19 until April 19, 2020, on children aged 7 to 12 years-old requiring class 1 restorative treatment of primary or permanent tooth with infiltration anesthesia. Interventions were defined as 15 minutes of aromatherapy using 2mL of jasmine extract for the intervention group, and with water for the control group. Outcomes were defined as child’s anxiety and pain perception, measured by modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes of vital signs. After the patients received interventions based on their groups, their data was collected and analyzed. We used parametric tests and linear regression for outcome comparisons. Results: 56 patients were randomized and allocated in two groups, 28 to each. The groups did not differ significantly regarding age, sex, heart rate and O2 saturation before, during, and after procedures. Based on multivariable regression, the intervention group showed a significantly reduced MCDAS (B (95% CI)=-2.11 (-4.09, -0.13), P=0.04) and VAS (B (95% CI)=-2.30 (-3.50, -1.10), P<0.001) scores. Conclusion: Jasmine aromatherapy showed to be effective in reducing children’s anxiety and pain perception during dental procedures and therefore, can be suggested as a cheap and practical complementary method in dental practice.