Dental News - Review shows distraction techniques may reduce dental anxiety

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 19. June 2019

save

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil: Dental anxiety is globally regarded as a public health concern owing to its effects on an individual’s oral health and quality of life. The prevalence of the condition in children ranges from 5% to 61%. A recent systematic review assessed whether distraction techniques reduce anxiety during dental treatments in children and adolescents.

Twenty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of distraction techniques for the management of dental anxiety and dental fear in children and adolescents under the age of 18 were included. Among the distraction techniques used were audio and audiovisual techniques, instrument camouflage, biofeedback, a dental operating microscope and toys. Dental treatments provided were dental examination, oral prophylaxis, local anesthesia, dental restoration, endodontic treatment and extraction.

Qualitative analysis showed with very low certainty of evidence that distraction techniques effectively reduced anxiety and fear depending on the distraction type, instrument used to measure anxiety and fear, and procedure. The authors thus concluded: “The heterogeneity of methodologies and findings in the studies, however, suggests more robust, and well‐executed RCTs are needed.”

The study, titled “Use of distraction techniques for the management of anxiety and fear in paediatric dental practice: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials,” was published online in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry on March 25, 2019, ahead of inclusion in an issue.

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

How can the dental team help reduce patient anxiety?

GOTHENBURG, Sweden: Though its causes can be unclear and multiform, the effects of dental anxiety in patients are well understood. As it increases, patients...

Early preventive dental care may not reduce caries risk

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., USA: There is a recommendation for children to have a dental visit by 6 months of age, but there is insufficient evidence of improved ...

Researchers review dental implant placement using flapless versus flapped technique

TEHRAN, Iran: A recent systematic review by Iranian scholars has compared implant treatment outcomes of over 1,500 patients who had undergone either ...

Anti-inflammatory coatings may reduce complications after dental implant surgery

HALLE (SAALE), Germany: The use of medical implants can be hampered by chronic inflammatory reactions, which may result in failure of the device. Now, ...

Fasting-mimicking diet may reduce inflammation in patients with severe periodontal disease

LONDON, England: Periodontal treatment is known to trigger a short-term systemic inflammatory response, and the systemic effects of this have prompted ...

Collaboration between healthcare professionals may help reduce caries

LIMA, Peru: In a recent study, researchers have developed an integrated intervention programme to reduce the prevalence and severity of early childhood ...

Plaque-identifying toothpaste may reduce risk of inflammatory diseases

MADISON, Wis., U.S.: Various studies have previously suggested that there is a link between poor oral health and the occurrence of inflammatory diseases, ...

Study shows fillings may not be best treatment for childhood dental caries

LEEDS, UK: Though dental fillings are an established method of treating the presence of dental caries in permanent dentition, their usefulness for treating ...

New study explores VR hypnosis for managing dental anxiety in children

STRASBOURG, France: Dental anxiety is a widespread concern in paediatric dentistry, often leading to treatment interruption or even the complete avoidance ...

New medical device may help reduce opioid use and prescription

CLOSTER, N.J., U.S.: Many dental professionals have recognized the benefits of using cryotherapy for oral pain management and swelling relief in dentistry, ...

Education

Live webinar
Tue. 16 September 2025
11:00 am EST (New York)