Abstract
Objective: To assess levels of anxiety and salivary alpha-amylase in children and its association with the use of informative or aversive behavioral management techniques during restorative dental procedures. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 69 children aged 4-12 years submitted to restorative dental treatment. The level of anxiety of patients was verified by means of the Modified Venham Picture Test and levels of salivary alpha-amylase were measured before and after the restorative procedure. The behavioral management techniques used during the dental procedure were registered. Associations between variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, considering statistically significant associations with p ≤ 0.05. Results: Salivary alpha-amylase showed high and moderate levels prior to dental procedure in 47 children (68.1%). Variables gender and behavioral management techniques were not associated with anxiety, as measured by VPT and salivary alpha-amylase activity. However, younger children showed higher levels of alpha-amylase (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The sample revealed that the visit to the dentist has generated anxiety, manifested by behavioral and physiological changes, especially in children under 72 months; thus, no association between anxiety and the different management techniques was observed.
Highlights
IntroductionAnxiety related to dental treatment can be defined as fear or dread related to dental appointments
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 69 children aged 4-12 years submitted to restorative dental treatment
The sample revealed that the visit to the dentist has generated anxiety, manifested by behavioral and physiological changes, especially in children under 72 months; no association between anxiety and the different management techniques was observed
Summary
Anxiety related to dental treatment can be defined as fear or dread related to dental appointments. It is common in patients of all age groups, but it is mainly developed during childhood and adolescence [1]. Childhood anxiety related to dental treatment has been widely studied [2] because it is recognized that the patient’s emotions could help the dentist to identify the best behavior management technique to be used. By identifying factors associated with anxiety, it is possible to use appropriate strategies to control the child's behavior during dental treatment [1,3]. Proper management of the child behavior is critical in building a relationship of trust between dentist and patient, able to alleviate fear, anxiety and stress [7,8]
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