Effect of Bubble Breath Play Therapy in Anxiety Levels and Pain Perception in Children Receiving Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of breathing exercise with and without bubble breath play therapy (BBPT) on pain perception and anxiety levels during local anesthesia administration in children aged between 6 and 11 years.

Materials and methods: Total 36 children were selected and randomly allocated between two experimental groups and a control group. Group A: BBPT, group B: diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE), and group C: conventional techniques. The effectiveness of breathing exercise, BBPT, and behavior management technique in reducing anxiety levels and pain perception was assessed before intervention, after intervention, during local anesthetic (LA) administration, and after treatment using the animated visual pain rating scale (VPRS), pulse rate, oxygen saturation, Frankl's scale, FLACC (face, legs, activity, cry, consolability) scale, and relaxation measurement scale (RMS).

Results: There were no significant differences found between the two intervention groups (group A and group B). Both intervention groups significantly reduced dental pain and anxiety in children.

Conclusion: BBPT is found to be a simple relaxation and distraction method, which can be considered fun and enhances rapport between doctor and children during treatment. The use of such a technique to relieve the pain and anxiety associated with even a brief painful procedure should be encouraged.

How to cite this article: Shrimahalakshmi, Shivanand PB, Nisha M, et al. Effect of Bubble Breath Play Therapy in Anxiety Levels and Pain Perception in Children Receiving Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(1):24-28.