Comparison of the Efficacy of Aromatherapy and Bubble Breath Play Therapy in Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Aim and background: Managing dental anxiety in children is a challenging aspect of pediatric dentistry, often addressed using various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods. Nonpharmacologic methods are preferred due to their noninvasiveness and minimal adverse effects. This study compares the efficacy of aromatherapy and bubble breath play therapy (BBPT) in reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 64 healthy children aged 6-10 years with moderate-to-severe dental anxiety and attending their first dental visit were included. Participants were randomly assigned to either the aromatherapy group, where lavender essential oil was diffused, or the BBPT group, where children engaged in bubble blowing for 5 minutes. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Chhota Bheem-Chutki Scale (CBCS), pulse rate (PR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels at baseline, postintervention, and posttreatment.

Results: Both interventions significantly reduced anxiety levels; BBPT showed a greater reduction (p < 0.001) than aromatherapy. PR significantly decreased post-BBPT (p < 0.05) but not with aromatherapy. SpO₂ levels improved significantly in the BBPT group (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons indicated BBPT had superior outcomes in reducing anxiety and PR and improving SpO₂ levels compared to aromatherapy.

Conclusion: Both aromatherapy and BBPT effectively reduce dental anxiety in children, with BBPT offering additional benefits due to its interactive nature. Future research should explore long-term effectiveness and personalized approaches to optimize anxiety management strategies in pediatric dental settings.

Clinical significance: The relatively novel nonpharmacological behavior management techniques of aromatherapy and BBPT can be incorporated into the routine clinical practice of pediatric dentists to effectively reduce the anxiety of the patients. This would improve their cooperation during the treatment procedures, reduce the chairside time, and also improve the treatment outcome and subsequently, the overall quality of health care.

How to cite this article: Bartakke RR, Bhattad MS, Bargaje P, et al. Comparison of the Efficacy of Aromatherapy and Bubble Breath Play Therapy in Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(1):29-33.