Ylang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy for paediatric dental anxiety: A randomized control trial in first restorative appointment.
- 2025-10-31
- Bioinformation 21(10)
- Amol N Patil
- Sneha N Kamble
- Pranali Shelke
- Priya Telang
- Aishwarya Shelar
- Mrunalini Kadam
- PubMed: 41623781
- DOI: 10.6026/973206300213686
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- 60 children aged 6-10 years
- Methods
- Randomized to Ylang-ylang, Lavender, or placebo; anxiety measured by pulse rate and Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale.
- Funding
- Unclear
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.
Research Insights
Both aromatherapy groups showed a significant reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate