Lavender Oil Inhalation Help to Overcome Dental Anxiety Among Children

Can Lavender Oil Inhalation Help to Overcome Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children? A Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) on anxiety, pain and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and saturation) among children planned to undergone surgical intervention.

Lavender oil has sedative properties. Dental anxiety is one of the most common obstacles to dental care, especially for children ranges from 3% to 43% in different populations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the use of lavender oil inhalation and to assess the correlation of anxiety and vital signs among children during a stressful surgical dental intervention. This study design was constructed according to the vital sign evaluations, anxiety and pain scores. Primary hypothesis was that of lavender oil inhalation prior to surgical dental interventions would affect vital signs and consequently reduce anxiety and perception of pain in children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• being between 6 and 12 years of age
• children who are determined as Frankl 2, 3 or 4
• intellectually sufficient to complete the anxiety scale
• volunteer to take part in the study
• whose parents were willing to participate into the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• aged under 6
• has cognitive, cooperation (i.ex. Frankl 1) or systemic problems
• common allergies or dental pain