Effect of aromatherapy with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) on the anxiety of patients undergoing scaling and root planning: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Anxiety is one of the most common factors that prevent people from going to a dentist. Therefore, finding a solution to better control stress has been an important issue in recent studies. Lemongrass positively affects the prevention of dental anxiety. The literature has shown that aromatherapy may regulate hemodynamic factors in patients. This study investigated the effects of the aroma of lemongrass on anxiety levels and hemodynamic factors during nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients were divided into two groups. First, the patients were asked to complete the Spielberger questionnaire to measure their level of dental anxiety. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, pain and satisfaction with treatment were evaluated. In the case group, nonsurgical periodontal therapy was performed while the patient inhaled the aroma of the lemongrass. Scaling was performed without intervention in the control group. The patients were then asked to complete the questionnaire again, and all the variables mentioned were remeasured.

Results: Aromatherapy with lemongrass caused significant reductions in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, heart rate, and anxiety scores of patients. On the other hand, the differences in blood oxygen saturation changes, amount of pain and treatment satisfaction were insignificant between the two groups.

Conclusion: Inhalation of lemongrass essential oil appears beneficial for reducing anxiety and associated hemodynamic changes. Thus, aromatherapy with lemongrass may alleviate dental patients' anxiety.

Trial registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/ IRCT20230615058492N2, 21/02/2024.