Effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Activity on Pain Perception and Anxiety of Children Undergoing Intraoral Local Anesthetic Administration.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of animal-assisted activity (AAA) involving a dog (play therapy) on reducing the pain experienced by children during the administration of local anesthetic (LA). Methods: Children between the ages of eight and 12 years who required LA administration were randomized into an AAA group and a control group. Baseline data for the simplified Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDAS[f]) was recorded, followed by the implementation of either AAA with standard care or standard care alone. The conventional protocol was followed for the administration of LA. Procedural pain was evaluated using both the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale (FLACC). All variations in pulse were also recorded. After the procedure, a simplified MCDAS(f) was recorded once again. The data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: The children in the AAA group reported lower pain scores, as measured by FPS-R, compared to the control group (P =0.009). Pain, as observed in the FLACC scores, was also low in the experimental group (P <0.001). A notable reduction in anxiety scores (P <0.001) was observed among children assigned to the AAA group. Conclusion: AAA involving a dog led to a reduction in the pain experienced by children undergoing LA administration, subsequently decreasing anxiety.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of tell-show-do and ask-tell-ask in the management of dental fear and anxiety: a double-blinded randomized control trial.

Background: The objective of behavioral guidance is to establish effective communication that aligns with a child's requirements to manage disruptive behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Tell-Show-Do and Ask-Tell-Ask techniques in managing dental anxiety in children during their initial appointment. Methods: The study included 50 children (28 boys and 22 girls) without any prior experience between the ages of 7 and 11 at their first dental visit. The children were randomly categorized into two groups: Group 1, Tell Shows Do, and Group 2, Ask-Tell-Ask. Subsequently, all children underwent noninvasive treatment procedures such as restorations, sealants, and oral prophylaxis. Furthermore, behavioral management techniques were employed based on the allocated group. Finally, anxiety levels for all children were assessed using the Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata Pictorial Scale (RMS-PS) and heart rate at three different intervals (before, during, and after). The obtained data were entered into Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. A paired t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the mean and median values of the two groups and determine their effectiveness. Results: Children in the TSD group exhibited statistically significant heart rates and RMS-PS scores in intra-group comparisons. However, children in the ask-tell-ask group showed a significant reduction only in the RMS-PS scores (P < 0.001) but not in the measures used to assess heart rate (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Tell-Show-Do was more effective than ask-tell-ask in alleviating dental anxiety in children. The simultaneous application of these two strategies can synergistically alleviate dental anxiety during a child's initial dentist appointment.

Comparative evaluation of "Tell-Tell-Tell," "Ask-Tell-Ask," and "Teach back" communication techniques on oral health education among 12-13-year-old children - An educational intervention trial.

Background: Effective communication with children can improve their understanding and aid in complying with oral hygiene instructions. Aim: The aim is to compare the retentiveness of oral hygiene instructions in children educated using three communication techniques. Methodology: One hundred and twenty children in the age range of 12-13 years were included in the study. Baseline awareness of oral hygiene maintenance was assessed using a questionnaire. Twenty children were randomly assigned to each group: Tell-Tell-Tell, Ask-Tell-Ask, Teach-back, and information provided. Knowledge was reassessed after a week; data were tabulated and assessed statistically. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among the groups (P > 0.05). Regardless of the group, there was an improvement in knowledge regarding the frequency and timing of brushing as well as the cause of dental caries after the intervention. However, children in Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back showed significant improvement over Tell-Tell-Tell (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Communication strategies, such as Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back, which have a strategy to involve children, have been shown to be superior over Tell-Tell-Tell.

Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in reducing pain perception of children during dental local anesthetic administration using laser acupuncture pen on the LI4 point: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Laser acupuncture, a non-invasive variant of acupuncture, has been proven effective in the medical and dental fields. Hence, the present study aims to determine the effect of low-level laser therapy on the LI4 point, using a laser acupuncture pen, in reducing children's pain during local anesthetic (LA) administration. METHODS: Children in the age range of 8-12 years, in need of LA administration, were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I: laser acupuncture, Group II: control. For all the children, baseline simplified Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDAS(f)) was recorded, followed by laser acupuncture or standard care. Following the conventional protocol, LA was administered. The procedural pain was assessed using the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale (FLACC) and Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). All the variations in pulse rate were recorded from baseline to the completion of LA administration. After the procedure, simplified MCDAS(f) was recorded one more time. The data were tabulated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: A significant reduction in anxiety after LA administration, as observed in MCDAS(f) score, was noticed only in the laser acupuncture group. The pain scores, as reported in FPS-R, were low in children randomized to the laser group compared to the control. The FLACC pain scores also showed low values in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Based on the study findings, within the limitations, low-level laser therapy using a laser acupuncture pen can reduce the pain perception of children undergoing LA administration and alleviate dental anxiety.