Comparison of the Effectiveness of Bach Flower Therapy and Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety in Pediatric Patients: An in-Vivo Study

Background: Managing a child’s anxiety is crucial for successful pediatric dental treatment, as anxiety directly affects cooperation and treatment outcomes. Current trends in pediatric dentistry favor non-aversive behavior management techniques that focuses on reducing fear and building trust, creating a supportive environment, improving child cooperation, and promoting positive long-term attitudes toward dental care. Aim and objective: To compare the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy using rescue remedy and aromatherapy using orange essential oil on dental anxiety in pediatric patients. Design: Forty five children of the age group 5-9 years were divided into three groups of 15 each and required treatment was performed involving the use of aeroter without administering local anaesthesia under aromatherapy, using Bach flower therapy and without aromatherapy or Bach flower therapy, respectively. Facial image scale (FIS), pulse rate and oxygen saturation were recorded before and after the procedure. Results: Compared with controls, both the aromatherapy group and Bach flower therapy group showed significant post treatment change in anxiety levels with respect to Facial image scale, along with the reduction in pulse rate. When compared between Bach flower therapy and aromatherapy, it also yield statistical significance, though aromatherapy showed better results compared to Bach flower therapy. Conclusion: Both Bach flower therapy and aromatherapy with orange essential oil have been shown to be effective in managing anxiety, with aromatherapy demonstrating comparatively superior results. These non-invasive techniques, used either individually or in combination, can be effectively incorporated into pediatric dental practice to help reduce anxiety and foster cooperative behavior in children.