Effect of aromatherapy on dental patient anxiety: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background: The pure essence of the aromatic essential oils provides both psychological and physiological
beneficial effects. These oils are known for their unwinding, carminative, and sedative effects. Hence, an
endeavor was made to investigate the olfactory impacts of these oils on the state of mind, physiology, and
behavior during dental treatment.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the patients were divided into two groups (study and control
group). Both the groups comprising patients of various ages. A total of 45 patients were assessed. In
the study group, the aromatic odor of lavender essential oil was maintained with the help of scented
perfumes and candles in the waiting area, and in the control group, normal candles were used as
the armamentarium for aromatherapy. A questionnaire comprising demographic information and the
Modified Dental Anxiety Scale was given to patients in the waiting room, and data regarding anxiety
levels were recorded.
Observations and Results: Various observations were made based on the recordings made by the patients
in both the groups, and it was found that the anxiety levels in patients in the study group reduced slightly
with aromatherapy as compared to those in the control group.
Conclusion: Inhalation aromatherapy had positive effects on reducing anxiety in patients before the
treatments. Hence, this should be recommended as a new and alternative way to reduce anxiety in patients
before treatment. This will thus improve the behavior and approach of the patients to the treatment.