Comparative evaluation of a novel dual sensory stimulation technique for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dental anxiety can compromise children’s cooperation during dental treatment. Although distraction is widely used for behavior guidance, evidence comparing dual-sensory distraction techniques with conventional management remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of audiovisual and visual-olfactory dual-sensory stimulation for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 138 healthy pediatric patients aged 4–7 years who were allocated equally to audiovisual distraction, visual-olfactory distraction using jasmine oil, or tell-show-do management. Anxiety and behavior were assessed before and after treatment using the Chhota Bheem–Chutki Scale and Venham’s Picture Test. Pulse rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Both dual-sensory distraction techniques significantly reduced anxiety and improved cooperative behavior. Compared with Tell-Show-Do, both interventions produced better post-treatment behavioral outcomes; audiovisual distraction additionally showed a significant improvement in SpO2. Pulse-rate reduction was comparable among groups. Conclusion: Dual-sensory distraction is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric dental patients, with audiovisual distraction showing greater effectiveness.
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BibTeX
@article{puri2026comparative,
title = {{Comparative evaluation of a novel dual sensory stimulation technique for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients: A randomized controlled trial}},
author = {Namrata Puri and Gauri Kalra and Madhulika Srivastava and Tanu Nangia and Carrolene Langpoklakpam and Sonvita Debnath},
journal = {Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_344_26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_344_26},
note = {CC BY-NC-SA},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Comparative evaluation of a novel dual sensory stimulation technique for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients: A randomized controlled trial
AU - Namrata Puri
AU - Gauri Kalra
AU - Madhulika Srivastava
AU - Tanu Nangia
AU - Carrolene Langpoklakpam
AU - Sonvita Debnath
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
DO - 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_344_26
UR - https://doi.org/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_344_26
AB - Background and Aim: Dental anxiety can compromise children’s cooperation during dental treatment. Although distraction is widely used for behavior guidance, evidence comparing dual-sensory distraction techniques with conventional management remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of audiovisual and visual-olfactory dual-sensory stimulation for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 138 healthy pediatric patients aged 4–7 years who were allocated equally to audiovisual distraction, visual-olfactory distraction using jasmine oil, or tell-show-do management. Anxiety and behavior were assessed before and after treatment using the Chhota Bheem–Chutki Scale and Venham’s Picture Test. Pulse rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Both dual-sensory distraction techniques significantly reduced anxiety and improved cooperative behavior. Compared with Tell-Show-Do, both interventions produced better post-treatment behavioral outcomes; audiovisual distraction additionally showed a significant improvement in SpO2. Pulse-rate reduction was comparable among groups. Conclusion: Dual-sensory distraction is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric dental patients, with audiovisual distraction showing greater effectiveness.
SN - 0970-4388
SN - 1998-3905
ER -