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The Japanese Dental Science Review Dec 2023Acute dental pain is a common issue leading to dental consultation. Besides causal therapy, patients are treated with acupuncture, but efficacy in acute dental pain is... (Review)
Review
Acute dental pain is a common issue leading to dental consultation. Besides causal therapy, patients are treated with acupuncture, but efficacy in acute dental pain is still not clarified. We aimed to evaluate results of recent research to estimate the efficacy of acupuncture compared to pain-relieving approaches in treatment of acute dental pain. A systematic review of controlled trials being published between database inception and 2020 were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture (alone or as complementary therapy) compared to local anesthesia or conventional analgesic medications in acute dental pain (intraoperatively and postoperatively) and to clarify whether acupuncture reduces the use of postoperative analgesic medications. Of 1672 publications, 23 publications met the inclusion criteria. From these, 11 randomized controlled trials (n = 668) reported on the efficacy of acupuncture on postoperative acute dental pain. Patients, who received acupuncture, showed lower pain scores postoperatively compared to sham acupuncture (Relative Risk -0.77, 95% Confidence interval -1.52 to -0.03). Overall, the results suggest a potential role of acupuncture in improving acute dental pain intraoperatively and postoperatively as well as improving the efficacy of local anesthesia, but the results are limited due to methodological shortcomings emphasizing the necessity for future high-quality research.
PubMed: 36950225
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2023.02.005 -
Dentistry Journal Oct 2023Although there is an established connection between diet and mental health, the relationship between diet and dental anxiety has not been examined yet. The purpose of...
Although there is an established connection between diet and mental health, the relationship between diet and dental anxiety has not been examined yet. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap by assessing the association between diet quality, mental distress, and dental anxiety. The data was collected through an anonymous Google Forms survey. The survey consisted of a modified version of the validated Food-Mood Questionnaire and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale with questions about demographics, dental health, and dental health anxieties. Data collection was performed over seven months, from April to October 2021. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient in SPSS version 25.0 and STATA 17 for sample size calculation, data processing and regression analyses. A total of 506 responses were collected. Our data verified that diet quality modulates dental anxiety. Women exhibited a stronger link with dental anxiety than men ( < 0.01). Consumption of sugary foods was associated with different attributes of dental anxiety ( < 0.01). Low-quality energy-dense foods and dairy were associated with dental anxiety, whereas caffeine, meat, nuts, and green leafy vegetables produced a negative correlation. This cross-sectional study provides proof of concept that dietary patterns are potentially associated with dental anxiety.
PubMed: 37886925
DOI: 10.3390/dj11100240 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Jul 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personal traits, dental anxiety level and dental appearance of the individuals.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personal traits, dental anxiety level and dental appearance of the individuals.
STUDY DESIGN
The study included 431 individuals who completed State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Form (STAI-T) and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS) questionnaires during their first appointment at the orthodontic clinic. The Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) index scoring was performed using intraoral frontal photographs by an orthodontist. According to the STAI-T scores, three anxiety groups were formed: mild, moderate, and severe. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for intergroup comparisons. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between STAI-T, CDAS, and ICON scores.
RESULTS
It was found that 38.28% of the participants had mild, 34.1% had severe, and 27.62% had moderate anxiety levels. CDAS score was significantly lower in the mild anxiety group ( ≤ 0.0001) compared to the groups showing moderate and severe anxiety. There was no significant difference between the moderate and severe anxiety groups. ICON score was significantly higher in the severe anxiety group ( ≤ 0.0001) than the other groups. It was also significantly higher in the moderate anxiety group ( ≤ 0.0001) than in the mild anxiety group. There was a significant positive correlation between STAI-T and both CDAS and ICON scores. There was no significant correlation between CDAS and ICON scores.
CONCLUSION
Dental appearance had a significant effect on the general anxiety of individuals. Improving the dental appearance with orthodontic treatments can have positive effects on reducing anxiety. The low level of dental anxiety in individuals with a high need for treatment will facilitate the work of the orthodontist in the procedures to be applied.
Topics: Humans; Anxiety; Dental Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Dental Anxiety
PubMed: 37408345
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.018 -
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Jul 2023There is a knowledge gap in how dental clinicians recognise dental anxiety. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding this process.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
There is a knowledge gap in how dental clinicians recognise dental anxiety. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and generate concepts regarding this process.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental clinicians from the public dental service of Östergötland, Sweden. Purposive and theoretical sampling was used. Theoretical saturation was reached after eight interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Classical grounded theory was used to inductively analyse data by constant comparative analysis.
RESULTS
The core category was identified as; 'the clinical eye', clinicians noticing behaviours possibly due to dental anxiety based on their knowledge, experiences, or intuition. The core category comprises the five categories: , , , and . Initially there is usually uncertainty about whether a behaviour is due to dental anxiety or part of a patient's normal behaviour. To gain additional certainty, clinicians need to recognise a stressor as something in the dental setting by observing a change in behaviour, for better or for worse, in the anticipation, presence or removal of the stressor.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians identify patients as dentally anxious if their behaviour changes with exposure to a stressor.
Topics: Humans; Dental Anxiety; Grounded Theory; Anxiety Disorders; Sweden
PubMed: 36519282
DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2154263 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are... (Review)
Review
Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.
Topics: Humans; Cannabinoids; Mouth Neoplasms; Hallucinogens; Cannabis; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
PubMed: 38256042
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020969 -
BMC Oral Health Sep 2023Tooth extraction is a common procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or dentists, often resulting in dental fear and anxiety. The use of relaxing music,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Tooth extraction is a common procedure performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or dentists, often resulting in dental fear and anxiety. The use of relaxing music, audiovisuals, and virtual reality (VR) technologies has been employed to reduce dental anxiety. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of relaxing music, audiovisuals, and VR in reducing dental anxiety associated with tooth extraction.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched up to March 8, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating different multimedia interventions, including the application of using relaxing music, audiovisuals, and VR technologies for dental anxiety. Studies utilizing various anxiety scales for tooth extraction were considered eligible. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of anxiety scale scores were analyzed using Bayesian NMA.
RESULTS
A total of 11 RCTs were included in this NMA. The Bayesian NMA results demonstrated that relaxing music (SMD = -0.64, 95% CI: -1.04, -0.25) and VR (SMD = -0.54, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.02) were associated with a reduction in dental anxiety, while audiovisuals (SMD = -0.34, 95% CI: -0.97, 0.33) required further consideration. Ranking probabilities indicated that relaxing music might be the most acceptable method for individuals with dental anxiety. The frequentist NMA yielded consistent rankings in a sensitivity analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Relaxing music shows the greatest potential for reducing dental anxiety related to tooth extraction when compared to other multimedia interventions.
Topics: Humans; Dental Anxiety; Music; Music Therapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Tooth Extraction
PubMed: 37735362
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03407-y -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Sep 2023Dental Anxiety constitutes a series of signs of sympathetic hyperfunction that arises during a dental visit. Orthodontic pain is a common reaction in children and adults... (Review)
Review
Dental Anxiety constitutes a series of signs of sympathetic hyperfunction that arises during a dental visit. Orthodontic pain is a common reaction in children and adults that can increase dental anxiety and affect orthodontic outcomes. Both malocclusion and orthodontic pain negatively affect quality of life. Dental anxiety and orthodontic pain have different contributing factors, and the prevalence of malocclusion and dental anxiety varies. Different methods have been proposed for the classification of the dental anxiety scales and orthodontic pain as a first approach in the treatment process. The objective of this literature review was to discuss the effect of orthodontic pain on dental anxietyand to explore ways to address dental anxietyin children and adultsto reduce negative effects on quality of life. This review not only analyses the prevalence and etiology of dental anxiety, the characteristics and influencing factors of orthodontic pain; but also introduces how dental anxiety and orthodontic pain are diagnosed, and proposes some treatment options. The occurrence of malocclusion has recently risen in children and adults, and the negative effects of orthodontic pain and dental anxiety have been explored in literature. Therefore, this review attempts to provide a critical analysis of dental anxiety and orthodontic pain, to attract the attention of orthodontists and provide a framework for further exploration of effective treatment solutions.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Dental Anxiety; Quality of Life; Malocclusion; Pain
PubMed: 37732433
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.051 -
Contemporary Clinical Dentistry 2023Assessment of dental anxiety in children is difficult because of their immature cognitive and emotional development. Drawings are well well-established emotion...
BACKGROUND
Assessment of dental anxiety in children is difficult because of their immature cognitive and emotional development. Drawings are well well-established emotion assessment tool. These can be used as nonverbal methods of communication for expressing the children's anxiety and emotions. Art therapy utilizes creative therapy interventions to deal with children suffering from emotional problems.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study is (1) To assess the drawings of children for the presence of dental anxiety. (2) To study the effectiveness of art therapy on dental anxiety in children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred and twenty children within the age group of 6-12 years were part of this study. The pretest assessment of dental anxiety was done using Frankl and Five facial anxiety scales. All the participants received local anesthesia during their first treatment session. At the end of the treatment session, all the participants were asked to draw a picture of their experience. The drawn figures were assessed by a psychologist. The children were allotted randomly into the study group ( = 60) and control group ( = 60). Art therapy was given to 60 children in the study group for three consecutive appointments. The posttest assessment of dental anxiety was done using Frankl and Five facial anxiety scales after completion of the entire dental treatment.
RESULTS
The pretest scores revealed very high level of dental anxiety in 33 (55%) children in study group and 34 (56.67%) children in control group. The posttest scores of study group, who received the art therapy, revealed that 24 (40%) children had little anxiety and 32 (53.33%) children had some anxiety. Whereas in the control group, the posttest scores showed 20 (33.33%) children had high anxiety and 39 (65%) children had very high anxiety scores. There was a significant correlation between the objective score of dental anxiety and the subjective scores of CD: H.
CONCLUSION
Drawings can be used as an assessment tool for the detection of dental anxiety and art therapy effectively reduces the anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment.
PubMed: 38344159
DOI: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_432_23 -
International Journal of Clinical... Sep 2023The purpose of this study is to present a framework for the potential implementation of children's anxiety levels and perspectives of their experiences receiving...
AIM
The purpose of this study is to present a framework for the potential implementation of children's anxiety levels and perspectives of their experiences receiving treatment from dental students through interviews and drawing into the clinical assessment of dental students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 51 patients between the ages of 5 and 8 years were included in the study. Pulp therapy and/or restorative treatment was performed during the first therapeutic session for all participants. Children were asked to draw about themselves at the dentist's and then verbally explain their drawings. Drawings were analyzed using Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) to determine the child's anxiety score. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to establish the factors contributing to the patient having a positive/negative experience. The relationships between the children's level of anxiety and their experience were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses against the student clinical assessment data.
RESULTS
Most children in the study exhibited average levels of anxiety and had an overall positive perception of the dentist. The correlation and regression analyses determined that when children presented higher levels of anxiety, the students received statistically significant higher scores in evidence-informed practice (EIP), skills, and their tolerance for error during procedures. No other rubric item was related to the children's anxiety or whether their experience was positive/negative.
CONCLUSION
Although this study provided a framework for exploring children's anxiety levels and perspectives of their experiences in teaching clinical settings, more research is needed to refine the method for student evaluation.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This study will enable dental students to meet the needs of child patients, which consequently increases treatment motivation and adherence to dental services as well as reduces the likelihood of patient anxiety and improves patient self-care skills over time.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Ortiz S, Yoon M, Gibson M, Children's Anxiety Levels and Their Perspectives on Dental Experiences in Students' Clinical Evaluation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S206-S212.
PubMed: 38078023
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2620 -
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Dec 2023Stress has been well-documented to have a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of bruxism. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and subsequent... (Review)
Review
Stress has been well-documented to have a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of bruxism. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and subsequent release of corticosteroids lead to increased muscle activity. Neurological studies have demonstrated that chronic stress exposure induces neurodegeneration of important neuronal structures and destabilization of the mesocortical dopaminergic pathway. These disruptions impair the abilities to counteract the overactivity of the HPA axis and disinhibit involuntary muscle activity, while at the same time, there is activation of the amygdala. Recent evidence shows that overactivation of the amygdala under stressful stimuli causes rhythmic jaw muscle activity by over activating the mesencephalic and motor trigeminal nuclei. The present review aimed to discuss the negative effects of certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, on the central nervous system. It provides evidence on how such insufficiencies may increase stress sensitivity and neuromuscular excitability and thereby reduce the ability to effectively respond to the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, and also how stress can in turn lead to these insufficiencies. Finally, the positive effects of individualized supplementation are discussed in the context of diminishing anxiety and oxidative stress, neuroprotection and in the reversal of neurodegeneration, and also in alleviating/reducing neuromuscular symptoms.
PubMed: 37954114
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12262