Ylang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy for paediatric dental anxiety: A randomized control trial in first restorative appointment

TL;DR

This study shows that using ylang-ylang or lavender aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety in children during their first dental treatment.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence that ylang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy effectively reduce pediatric dental anxiety.

Findings

Both ylang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy reduced anxiety compared to a placebo.

Ylang-ylang had a greater effect on lowering pulse rate, indicating stronger physiological calming.

Aromatherapy is a safe and effective non-drug method for managing dental anxiety in children.

Abstract

The safety and effectiveness of Ylang-ylang and Lavender essential oils in reducing anxiety in 6-10-year-old children during their
first restorative dental appointment is of interest. Hence, sixty children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Ylang-ylang,
Lavender, or a placebo control, with anxiety measured by pulse rate and the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale. Both aromatherapy groups
showed a significant reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo, and Ylang-ylang specifically led to the greatest physiological
calming effect as indicated by a larger decrease in pulse rate. Thus, we show that aromatherapy with either essential oil is a safe and
effective non-pharmacological method for managing paediatric dental anxiety, supporting its use in clinical practice to improve
children's initial dental experience.