Examining stress biomarkers in kids during dental procedures
Examining Stress Salivary Biomarkers in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures. A Prospective Longitudinal Study
This study looks at how stress affects kids aged 7 to 17 during dental visits by testing their saliva for certain markers to see if they feel more anxious.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Midwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Downers Grove, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06730425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on pediatric patients aged 7 to 17 who experience dental anxiety and fear during dental procedures. It aims to investigate the relationship between stress levels and salivary biomarkers, specifically cortisol and alpha amylase, which are believed to fluctuate with stress. Saliva samples will be collected to assess these biomarkers, providing a non-invasive method to understand stress responses in children undergoing dental treatment. The study will also compare these stress-related biomarkers with salivary IgA, which is not influenced by stress, to establish a baseline.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 17 who are first-time patients at the pediatric or orthodontic departments of the dental institute.
Not a fit: Patients older than 17, younger than 7, or those with major health conditions or a history of mental illness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better management strategies for dental anxiety in children, improving their overall dental care experience.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using salivary biomarkers to assess stress in pediatric dental patients is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children between the ages of 7 and 17 * Ability to read and speak English language * Patients seen for a first visit at the pediatric or orthodontic departments of the dental institute of the Multispecialty Clinic at Midwestern University with a scheduled future appointment to start treatment in the pediatric or orthodontic department Exclusion Criteria: * Older than 17 years of age or younger than 7 years of age * Unable to read and speak English language * Have any major health conditions or history of mental illness * Being a returning patient in the pediatric or orthodontic department of the dental institute of the Multispecialty Clinic at Midwestern University * Taking any systemic medications that would cause a change in salivary flow (e.g., oxybutynin, protein pump inhibitors)
Where this trial is running
Downers Grove, Illinois and 1 other locations
- Midwestern University — Downers Grove, Illinois, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Midwestern University — Downers Grove, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Linda Sangalli, DDS, MS, PhD
- Email: lsanga@midwestern.edu
- Phone: 630-515-7369
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.