Effect of a Candy Flavoring Before Local Anesthesia on Anxiety and Pain Perception in Children

Local Anesthesia Clinical Trial

Official title: The Effect of Using a Sugar-free Candy Flavoring Before Local Anesthesia Injection on Anxiety and Pain Perception in Children: a Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This is a randomized clinical trial that aimed to test the effect of using sugar-free flavors as a sensory distraction technique during local anesthesia on pain perception when compared to a negative control group. Applying the flavor before injecting local anesthesia helped in distracting the child and reduced the associated pain.

Clinical Trial Description

Background: Distraction techniques can be very useful in managing children on the dental chair and to guide their attention away from a painful stimulus. No studies so far have used a sugar-free solution as a distraction method.

Aim: To test the effect of using sugar-free flavors as a sensory distraction technique during local anesthesia on pain perception and anxiety when compared to negative control group, using a split-mouth randomized study design.

Methods: A total of 84 children, aged 4-9 years with no previous dental experience and require the same treatment on the upper primary first or second molars bilaterally were included in this study. Each child received two injections. The children were randomly allocated into two groups, group 1 received the first injection after applying a flavor, and group 2 received the first injection after applying sterile water. The children received the first injection either on the right or left side, and switched sides on the next visit, resulting in (n=168) total injections. The observed pain perception was assessed using the SEM scale. Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale will be used to assess the pain reported by the child. Pulse rate, BMI, and sweet taste preference were also recorded by an independent observer to ensure blinding.

Results: Using a sugar-free candy flavor before injecting local anesthesia helps in reducing pain accompanying local anesthesia. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Local Anesthesia

• NCT number: NCT05727527
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: King Abdullah University Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 1, 2022
• Completion date: September 1, 2023