Lemongrass and lavender aromatherapy to reduce dental injection anxiety in children
The Effect of Lemongrass and Lavender Aromatherapy on Dental Anxiety and Pain Perception in Children Undergoing Local Anesthetic Administration: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This test will see if inhaling lemongrass or lavender helps 7–11-year-old children feel less anxious and have less pain during dental injections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ain Shams University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07113080 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, three-arm trial compares inhaled lavender, inhaled lemongrass, and no aromatherapy in children aged 7–11 undergoing local anesthetic injections. Forty-eight medically healthy children with Frankl behavior ratings of 3 or 4 and at least one vital primary molar with deep caries will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Participants in the aromatherapy groups will inhale the assigned essential oil via face mask/nebulizer for two minutes before anesthetic administration, and outcomes will include salivary cortisol, heart rate, and self-reported pain. The study is conducted in the pediatric dentistry department at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University in Cairo.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Medically healthy children aged 7–11 with no prior dental visits, Frankl behavior rating 3 or 4, and at least one vital primary molar needing local anesthesia are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with current respiratory problems, known allergies to essential oils, current medication use, or prior dental visits are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, non-drug way to reduce anxiety and pain during pediatric dental injections.
How similar studies have performed: Lavender aromatherapy has prior evidence of calming effects in children and adults, while lemongrass is less studied in pediatric dental settings, so the approach has some precedent but limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children aged 7-11 years * medically free * children category 3 or 4 according to Frankle behavior rating scale * patients who approve of signing informed consent and give child assent * children with at least one vital primary molar with deep carious lesion Exclusion Criteria: * children with a previous dental visit * children suffering from any upper or lower respiratory tract problems * children with any history of allergy children who currently use any medications
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Cairo Governorate
- pediatric dentistry and dental public health department, faculty of dentistry, Ain shams university, Cairo, egypt — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: hiba AE suliman, master degree candidate
- Email: hibaeltayeb@dent.asu.edu.eg
- Phone: 1119078420
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.