Dental Treatment Of Children Research Articles

Development and Validation of a "Stress and Coping Assessment Tool Associated with Maintaining Oral Health among Children with Special Health-care Needs".

In our routine pediatric dental practice, many of us encounter parents and caretakers of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) who complain about the difficulties they face in daily tooth brushing of their children. Some parents may have to accept defeat as their children face overwhelming medical conditions to cater to; ultimately leading to paradigm shift of oral hygiene leading to increase of dental caries and gingival problems. To develop and validate a comprehensive tool that can help us in assessing parent related stressors and coping factors with regard to maintenance of oral hygiene of their children. Data related to stress and coping factors encountered during maintenance of oral hygiene of their children and their experiences during the child's dental treatment (if any) were collected from parents of CSHCN. Validation and feedback from content evaluation panel experts were done. A comprehensive assessment tool with 45 items (29 stresses related items and 16 coping related items) was developed after validation. We could develop and validate a 'Stress and Coping Assessment Tool associated with maintaining Oral health among Children with Special health care needs' - abbreviated as "SCATOCS" with a hope to benefit and manage oral health care to the referred population.

TRATAMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Dental treatment in children with Down syndrome is extremely important, as these children have characteristics that can influence the proper development of oral health. The treatment also contributes to the development of good oral health, preventing future complications and improving the quality of life of these children. This article had the general objective: To analyze whether the techniques used in the pediatric dentistry management of patients with Down Syndrome help patients in dental treatment in order to avoid a possible worsening of oral diseases. To carry out this article, a systematic review research was carried out in the Google Scholar database regarding pediatric dental care and management in children with DS. The research covered a period of 4 years, from 2020 to 2024. Results and Discussions: Pediatric patients with Down Syndrome present some specific oral changes that require adequate dental attention. They may have delayed development of permanent teeth, with late and irregular eruption. Dental care practices for children with Down Syndrome must be adapted to their specific needs, respecting their cognitive and motor limitations. Conclusion: Behavioral management techniques are fundamental for the pediatric dentistry management of children with Down Syndrome. They contribute to more effective dental treatment, preventing a possible worsening of oral diseases and providing a better quality of life for these patient

Overcoming local anesthesia failure during routine dental treatments in children.

Local anesthesia (LA) during routine dental treatment in children fails in 5%-35% of first attempts. No data, however, are available on the success rates of subsequent attempts. To evaluate the effectiveness of primary, secondary, and tertiary LA attempts (P-LA, S-LA, and T-LA, respectively) for anesthetizing molars during routine dental treatments in children. We retrospectively analyzed dental records of all children (2-18 years) who had been administered LA for the treatment of primary or permanent molars by a single paediatric dentist, between 2011 and 2022. All LAs were delivered using a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) system. The failure rate of P-LA in 1312 molars was 13% and correlated with age (p < .001), type of tooth (p < .001), type of treatment (p < .001), and treated arch (p < .001). The effectiveness of S-LA for buccal infiltration, intrasulcular, inferior alveolar nerve block, greater palatine nerve block (GPNB), posterior superior alveolar nerve block (PSANB), or a combination of the last two was 50%, 87.2%, 66.7%, 63.6%, 33.3%, and 100%, respectively, and was not significantly associated with age or the type of tooth, treatment, or P-LA. The optimal choice of S-LA for anesthetizing maxillary molars was a combination of PSANB and GPNB, whereas for mandibular molars, it was IS-CCLAD system.

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Therapy in Combination with Behaviour Management Technique on the Reduction of Anxiety in Paediatric Dental Patients

This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety in paediatric patients during caries treatment, with Er:YAG laser and conventional rotary instruments, in combination with child-management technique Latent inhibition. A group of 126 6–12-year-old children with one or more untreated dentine carious lesions (ICDAS code 05) on the occlusal surface of a primary molar was divided into four equal treatment subgroups. A standardized caries treatment was performed with Erbium:YAG laser or conventional rotary instruments. In the intervention groups, Latent inhibition was used as an anxiety-management technique. During the procedure, objective and subjective stress parameters were recorded. Statistically significant reduction in mean heart rate and self-anxiety scores was seen in the combination of Er:YAG laser caries removal and child-management technique (p &lt; 0.05). The use of laser cavity preparation in combination with the child-management technique Latent inhibition is the most effective method during the dental treatment of children. Er:YAG laser alone showed an advantage over the conventional method and equivalent effect to the combined use of conventional rotary instruments and behaviour management technique.

Parental Perspectives on Paediatric Dental Treatment under General Anaesthesia.

To investigate parental perceptions of comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia for their children. The study included parents of children who underwent comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia. Only parents who could communicate in English were included. They were invited to participate in a telephone interview within four weeks of their children's dental treatment under general anesthesia. The interviews were designed to gather information on three main domains: problems experienced before the operation, children's well-being after the operation, and satisfaction. A total of 45 parents participated in the study; 91.1% identified as women and 8.8% as men. Most parents resided in areas categorised as either more deprived (51%) or most deprived (24.4%), based on deprivation indices. Prior to surgery, 66.7% of children suffered from dental pain, 44.4% were affected by dental abscesses or facial swelling, 42.2% experienced difficulties with eating and drinking, while 37.8% experienced sleeping difficulties. Painkillers were used for a short duration to manage post-operative pain (48.9%). Four weeks after the operation, many parents reported improvements in their children's mouth comfort. They observed positive changes in their children's ability to eat (40%), sleep habits (33.3%), and overall health and well-being (82.2%). Overall, most parents expressed high levels of satisfaction with the care their children received (95.5%). Parents observed improvements in their children's oral health and reported high level of satisfaction with the procedures.

Dental Conscious Sedation for the Treatment of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review.

Conscious sedation has been shown to be a reliable behavior management tool that can be used during dental treatments in children who are less cooperative with dental treatment. The purpose of this study is to review the currently available research on the use of conscious sedation during dental procedures for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A web-based search for published articles was conducted. Different electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Online Review, and the Cochrane Library database, for papers published until February 2023. Studies providing descriptive protocols for dental conscious sedation for children with ASD were included. The search strategy found two studies that met the included criteria. The use of nitrous oxide in conjunction with oral benzodiazepines was found to be effective in sedating children with ASD. This review highlights the lack of research on sedation techniques for children with ASD. Future studies are needed to determine the specific types of sedative medications, their combinations and dosages, and the best methods for conscious sedation during dental procedures for autistic children.

Safety of propofol-assisted deep extubation in the dental treatment of children—a retrospective, observational study

PurposeAwake extubation and deep extubation are commonly used anesthesia techniques. In this study, the safety of propofol-assisted deep extubation in the dental treatment of children was assessed.Materials and methodsChildren with severe caries who received dental treatment under general anesthesia and deep extubation between January 2017 and June 2023 were included in this study. Data were collected on the following variables: details and time of anesthesia, perioperative vital signs, and incidence of postoperative complications. The incidence of laryngeal spasm (LS) was considered to be the primary observation indicator.ResultsThe perioperative data obtained from 195 children undergoing dental treatment was reviewed. The median age was 4.2 years (range: 2.3 to 9.6 years), and the average duration of anesthesia was 2.56 h (range 1 to 4.5 h). During intubation with a videoscope, purulent mucus was found in the pharyngeal cavity of seven children (3.6%); LS occurred in five of them (2.6%), and one child developed a fever (T = 37.8 °C) after discharge. Five children (2.6%) experienced emergence agitation (EA) in the recovery room. Also, 13 children (6.7%) experienced epistaxis; 10 had a mild experience and three had a moderate experience. No cases of airway obstruction (AO) and hypoxemia were recorded. The time to open eyes (TOE) was 16.3 ± 7.2 min. The incidence rate of complications was 23/195 (11.8%). Emergency tracheal reintubation was not required. Patients with mild upper respiratory tract infections showed a significantly higher incidence of complications (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPropofol-assisted deep extubation is a suitable technique that can be used for pediatric patients who exhibited non-cooperation in the outpatient setting. Epistaxis represents the most frequently encountered complication. Preoperative upper respiratory tract infection significantly increases the risk of complications. The occurrence of EA was notably lower than reported in other studies.

Early Intervention in pediatric Dentistry: Nurturing lifelong Oral health Habits

Early intervention in pediatric dentistry is crucial in influencing children’s oral health trajectory and establishing habits that may last a lifetime. Pediatric dentists strive to develop good dental hygiene habits in young children via early detection, treatment, education, and prevention (Happykidsdental, 2024). To foster good dental hygiene habits for life, this study explores the many aspects of early intervention in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentistry is essential for youngsters to have healthy teeth and gums. It considers the specific requirements and difficulties during infancy and goes beyond regular dental checkups (Wang, 2023). Pediatric dentists provide the groundwork for optimal dental health throughout a child’s life by concen trating on early intervention, individualized treatments, and preventative care (Krol and Whelan, 2022). They make the dentist’s office a fun place for kids, encouraging them to have good experiences there and teaching their parents how to care for their teeth better (Happykidsdental, 2024). Issues such as thumb-sucking, teething, and assisting youngsters with orthodontic troubles are also part of a pediatric dentist’s expertise (Lin, 2022). Pediatric dentists are medical professionals who focus on children’s oral and dental health (dentalcare.com, 2023). They help children maintain good teeth and jaw development, which benefits their general health. Pediatric dentistry is a subspecialty of general dentistry that focuses on the specific problems and requirements of dental health in children. It covers a lot of ground, from general dental checkups and education to more precise treatments for common problems in children and teenagers (Clinical Affairs Committee, 2012). Dental treatment for children goes beyond just fixing cavities; pediatric dentists also work to alleviate anxiety and promote a good attitude toward the dentist from a young age (Happykidsdental, 2024). Building a solid foundation for excellent dental health throughout a child’s life begins in the early years (Baker, Lee and Wright, 2019). The importance of early interventions in establishing excellent oral hygiene habits and avoiding dental disorders before they happen is acknowledged in this particular area (Krol and Whelan, 2022). Pediatric dentists play a dual role as healthcare practitioners and educators, helping children and their families maintain good oral health and wellness. The field of pediatric dentistry focuses on the dental health and welfare of children from the time they are infants until they reach puberty (Wang, 2023). Encouraging youngsters to form good habits with their teeth and gums is integral to this niche field’s mission to promote dental health (Lin, 2022). The formative years are essential to provide the groundwork for excellent dental health throughout a child’s life.

Effectiveness of aromatherapy in reduction of dental anxiety in pediatric dental patients: A systematic review

In recent years, various researchers have attempted to utilize Aromatherapy for allaying dental anxiety in pediatric patients. The present systematic review aims to comprehend the efficacy of aromatherapy in reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients, exploring different aromatherapy agents, dispersion methods, and their anxiety-relieving capacities. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Web of Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIEXPANDED), and Google Scholar using the key terms “Aromatherapy” AND “Pediatric” OR “Children” AND “Dental Anxiety” OR “Fear” to identify articles published in the English language without any restriction for the time of publication. A total of nine randomized controlled trials were identified that assessed various essential oils such as lavender, orange, and lemongrass for aromatherapy in pediatric patients during dental treatment. Most of these studies employed aromatherapy using a diffuser during non-pain-promoting dental treatments in children of 6 to 9 years of age. Aromatherapy is an effective non-pharmacological and non-invasive modality for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients which is free of adverse effects. However, there's a need for standardized methods of dispersion and clearer guidelines for oil posology

Acceptability of dental students and professionals concerning child behaviour management techniques: Systematic review.

During child dental treatment, different behavior management techniques (BMTs) are applied and it is important to understand the possible discomfort in the operator. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the acceptability of dental students and professionals concerning BMTs applied with paediatric dentistry patients. A systematic search was conducted, following the PEOS strategy: Population (P) - dental students/professionals (S); Exposure (E) - BMTs preconized by the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, Outcome (O) - proportion of BMT acceptance; and Study design (S) - observational studies based on data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS (Lilacs/BBO), Cochrane, and Open Grey databases up to September 2021. The eligible studies were submitted to data extraction and to the evaluation of methodological quality, using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by GRADE. The search retrieved 710 articles; a total of 21 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were used for qualitative analysis. Among the undergraduate students and dentists, the most accepted techniques were tell-show-do and positive reinforcement, while paediatric dentists preferred the tell-show-do technique and dental professionals with graduate degrees preferred sedation using nitrous oxide and positive reinforcement. The least accepted technique was protective stabilization. Seven students presented a low risk for bias, while 14 presented a high risk. The certainty of evidence was classified as very low. Although the basis of available certainty of evidence is scarce and with a considerable risk for bias, it is still possible to conclude that the more accepted techniques were based on communication.

Dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs: A retrospective study of 10 years of treatment.

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often face oral health challenges. This retrospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital aimed to determine CSHCN's medical spectrum, dental treatment needs, and mode of treatment: general anesthesia (GA) or outpatient dental care (ODC). Data from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, 2012-2022, were reviewed, considering age, gender, International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses, caries experience (dmft/DMFT), restorative parameters, and treatment under GA/ODC. For patients under GA, their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was considered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were utilized. Of 669 patients, congenital and chromosomal malformations (34.7%), diseases of the nervous system (19.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders (16.0%) were mainly diagnosed. Dentin caries prevalence was high at 79.1%, with treatments performed mainly under GA (51.4%). The odds of receiving treatment under GA decreased with patient age and increased with higher dmft/DMFT scores. Most under GA were classified as ASA 3 (51.7%), indicating high anesthesia risks. Children with special healthcare needs often have diseases that can lead to higher challenges related to cooperation. The high prevalence of dentin caries underscores the substantial need for dental treatments, which were consequently often performed under GA, despite the associated risks. These findings stress the need for trained dental professionals.

Professional Attitudes and Practice of Pediatric Dentists About the Use of Local Anesthesia for the Treatment of Children Under General Anesthesia.

The application of local anesthesia in dental surgeries conducted under general anesthesia poses a challenge in pediatric dentistry. There is a lack of consensus regarding the benefits and drawbacks of using general anesthesia in this field. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and practices of pediatric dentists regarding the use of local anesthesia for dental treatments in children under general anesthesia in Iran. This cross-sectional study involved 110 pediatric dentists from across Iran. The dentists' professional attitudes and practices were assessed using a specially designed questionnaire for this study. The questionnaire was distributed through the Line press system, and the data were analyzed following collection. Regarding professional practices, 34.5% of specialists refrained from using local anesthesia. The most frequent application of local anesthesia was observed in tooth extractions. The preferred local anesthetic agent was 2% lidocaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine. A lower dose than that used in outpatient settings was administered, and most specialists allowed sufficient time for the anesthesia to take effect. This study revealed that opinions and attitudes towards the use of local anesthesia in the dental treatment of children under general anesthesia vary across different specialties and are significantly influenced by the patient's condition, type of treatment, and practice techniques.

Occlusal Radiographs in a Turkish Pediatric Subpopulation.

Dental radiographs are a useful diagnostic aid in the oral health care and dental treatment of children. The most commonly used radiographs are periapical and panoramic radiographs. Occlusal radiographs are preferred in more specific cases. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the reasons for obtaining occlusal radiographs in pediatric patients. Occlusal radiographs of patients aged 1-13 years who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Dentistry between 01 August 2015 and 01 August 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with syndromes and diseases that could cause cleft lip and palate and dental anomalies were not included in the study. The medical history of the 354 patients who were included in the study was provided by the automated system. A total of 359 occlusal radiographs from these patients were analysed. The number of male patients included in the study was 208 and the number of female patients was 146. Occlusal radiographs of the maxilla of 312 patients were taken, of the mandible of 37 patients, and both the upper and lower jaws of 5 patients. It was found that occlusal radiographs were taken mostly for dental trauma in the permanent dentition (156), injuries in the primary dentition (68) and for the diagnosis of dental anomalies (57). Occlusal radiographs are taken for specific situations in pediatric dentistry and are particularly useful in the detection and diagnosis of primary and permanent tooth injuries.

Space Infections in Children- A Case Report Series

Head and neck area infections in children can be severe, necessitating an immediate diagnosis and course of treatment. These infections are frequently brought on by periapical abscesses, dental trauma, untreated dental caries (cavities), or consequences from dental operations. Poor oral hygiene practices and postponed dental treatment in children might raise the risk. Swelling, discomfort, fever, trouble swallowing, trismus (inability to open the mouth), and occasionally difficulty breathing or speaking are common symptoms in children with head and neck region infections. Clinical examination, patient history, and imaging tests like dental radiographs (X-rays) and CT scans to map out the extent and location of the infection are commonly used by paediatric dentists and healthcare professionals to identify these illnesses. To manage the illness, broad-spectrum antibiotics are frequently administered. These infections, if ignored, can result in potentially fatal consequences such as cellulitis, Ludwig's angina, mediastinitis, and sepsis.

Dental treatment of children under general anesthesia during the period of matrial law.

Aim: To summarize the experience of providing dental medical care under general anesthesia to children from different regions of Ukraine during the martial law, taking into account the factors affecting the choice of optimal conditions for dental treatment. Materials and Methods: Dental treatment under general anesthesia of 1,258 children from different regions of Ukraine has been performed since March 2022. The condition of the teeth (df, df+DMF, DMF) and hygienic state of the oral cavity (OHI-S) were determined. The level of awareness of parents regarding the preservation of children's dental health was studied through a questionnaire. Results: An unsatisfactory oral hygiene, a high level of caries were found in the vast majority of children. The highest df was observed in the group of children aged 3 to 6 years (7.14±0.33), which is significantly higher than in the group of children under 3 years of age (4.32±1.04, p≤0.05). The worst oral hygiene was observed in children aged 6-12 years (OHI-S 2.62±0.32). An insufficient level of awareness of parents and children regarding dental health was revealed. A total of 1,712 operations under general anesthesia were performed. The majority of patients could not regularly appear for follow-up examinations due to the forced departure from the country. Conclusions: The organization of dental treatment under general anesthesia allows solving a number of problems of dental care for children during the war.

Assessment of Dental Fear and Anxiety in Children Undergoing Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Inhalation Sedation visiting BPKIHS

Introduction: Dental treatment of children is the most needed service that remains neglected because of a lack of skill to manage dental fear and anxiety (DFA). Both the non-pharmacological and pharmacological behavior management continuum should be followed to treat children. Objective: To assess and compare DFA levels in children before and after dental treatment using nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation sedation (NOIS), to assess and compare the change in behavior in children undergoing NOIS, and to compare the level of DFA in children undergoing invasive and non-invasive dental treatment. Methods: DFA was measured using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS), and Facial Image Scale (FIS) before and after the dental treatment under NOIS. The change in children’s behavior during invasive and noninvasive treatment under NOIS was assessed by Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). Results: A significant reduction in DFA was seen within each cohort as measured by 3 scales: CFSS-DS, MCDAS, and FIS (P≤0.001). There was also a positive change in behavior of children during the time of dental treatment under NOIS as measured by FBRS. However, there was no significant difference between invasive and non-invasive treatment groups with regard to DFA. Conclusions: Minimal sedation provided by NOIS significantly reduced DFA in children, and there was a positive change in their behavior during the time of treatment. NOIS was effective in decreasing DFA in both invasive and non-invasive dental treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Local Anesthetic Techniques for Pain Management in Pediatric Dental Procedures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The present study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of different local anesthetic techniques for pain management in pediatric dental procedures. Goal is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of various local anesthetic methods to identify the most effective approach in reducing pain and discomfort during dental treatments in children. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 pediatric patients (aged 3 to 10 years) undergoing dental procedures in a single dental clinic. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Group A received conventional infiltration anesthesia (lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000), Group B received topical anesthesia followed by the same infiltration anesthesia, and Group C received intraosseous anesthesia using articaine 4% with epinephrine 1:100,000. The patients' demographic data, treatment details, and pre-procedure anxiety levels were recorded. The study demonstrated that all three local anesthetic techniques effectively managed pain during pediatric dental procedures. However, Group C, which received intraosseous anesthesia, showed significantly lower pain scores (mean ± standard deviation) compared to Group A and Group B: 1.5 ± 0.6, 2.3 ± 0.8, and 2.1 ± 0.7, respectively (P < 0.05). Additionally, Group C exhibited a shorter onset of anesthesia compared to Group A and Group B, with mean onset times of 1.8 ± 0.4, 3.2 ± 0.6, and 2.9 ± 0.5 minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). No significant differences in adverse events or post-procedure complications among the groups. Intraosseous anesthesia (articaine 4% with epinephrine 1:100,000) was found most effective local anesthetic technique for pain management during pediatric dental procedures.

Environmental impact of the supervised toothbrushing programme amongst children in Scotland

ObjectivesTo understand the environmental impact of providing a nationwide supervised toothbrushing programme (Childsmile) for 5-year-old children in Scotland. MethodsA life cycle assessment was conducted to assess the annual environmental effects of the supervised toothbrushing programme in early years childcare, as well as each dental procedure (dental restoration under local anaesthesia (LA), single tooth extraction under LA, and multiple teeth extraction under general anaesthesia) spanning from 2001/02 to 2009/10. The expected savings in annual carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions for all combined dental treatments in subsequent years were calculated compared to those in 2001/02. ResultsAn overall decrease in CO2e emissions was evident in the Childsmile programme and across all dental procedures. The estimated reduction in emissions across all procedures varied from 102.5 tonnes in 2002/03 to 461.1 tonnes in 2009/10 when compared to 2001/02. Within three years, the expected emissions savings from all combined dental procedures surpassed the emissions generated by implementing the Childsmile programme. ConclusionsOver time, there was a significant reduction in annual CO2e emissions for all combined dental treatments in children. In the eighth year of the Childsmile, emissions savings were more than 4.5 times greater than the emissions generated during its implementation. Clinical significanceThe study highlights the importance of educating public by individual dentists about the environmental impact of caries prevention programmes and paediatric dental treatments as this may influence patient choice. It also encourages commissioners of community dental programmes to support the implementation of supervised toothbrushing programmes in early years childcare.

The choice of local anesthesia in the treatment of permanent molars in children aged 7–12 years

Relevance. Effective pain relief is required for high-quality outpatient dental treatment in children. Рeriodontal local anesthetic methods are easier to implement and safer for young patients. Purpose. To conduct a comparative analysis of the use of various local anesthetics when using a modified periodontal method in the treatment of caries and pulpitis of permanent teeth in children 7–12 years old at an outpatient dental appointment. Materials and methods. The study involved 108 children of the 7–12 years old age group, who need treatment for caries and pulpitis of permanent molars. Local anesthetic was administrated 4% solution of articaine without a vasoconstrictor, with epinephrine at concentrations of 1:200,000, 1:400,000, 2% solution of articaine without a vasoconstrictor and with epinephrine 1:200,000. To determine the effectiveness of the treatment a developed analog-visual scale was used. Results. The high efficiency and safety of the use of modified periodontal anesthesia using 2 and 4% solutions of articaine with epinephrine in the treatment of permanent molars in children aged 7–12 years was determined.

The effect of parental presence on the anxiety during first dental treatment in children

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of parental presence on dental anxiety in children during dental treatments. Materials and methods The study was conducted with 194 children between January-April, 2020. The children were randomly divided into two subgroups. Children in group-I were treated in parent’s presence (pp), and in group-II in parent’s absence (pa). The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS) and The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were used for subjective measurements, whereas the objective measurement was performed by measuring the heart rate. Results The mean age of 194 children was 6.26 ± 1.15 years, ranging from 5-8 years of age. The mean MDAS score of all children was 15.1 ± 4.72. No significant correlations were found in terms of dental anxiety between the children’s gender and age with heart rate, WBFPS and MDAS scores. Preoperative WBFPS scores (6.83 ± 1.04 pp and 7.01 ± 0.93 pa) were higher than postoperative scores (5.34 ± 2.11 pp and 5.74 ± 2.04 pa), with no statistically significant difference. Although there was no statistically significant results, the paediatric dentist observed a deterioration in the children’s behavior throughout the sessions in group-II compared to children in group-I. Conclusions Parental presence has no statistically significant effect on dental anxiety in children during dental treatments.