Comparative Evaluation of Anxiety Levels in Children Undergoing Restorative Procedure Using No Music, Music of Choice, and Nursery Rhymes as a Behavior Management Technique in Children between 4 and 12 Years – An In vivo Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim is to compare and evaluate the impact music has on anxiety in children while performing restorative procedures. Materials and Methods: Forty-five children between the ages of 4 and 12 years without any prior dental experience were recruited for the study. Forty-five children were equally divided into three groups of 15 children in each by simple random sampling. The children were allocated to the groups using the computer allocation method. Group A consisted of 15 children who were not made to hear music, Group B consisted of 15 children who heard nursery rhymes, and Group C consisted of 15 children who heard music of their own choice while undergoing restorative treatment for 40 min. Anxiety levels were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using Venham’s picture test, and pulse rate using pulse oximeter. Results: Music of choice and nursery rhymes showed a better reduction in anxiety levels than no music, with a very high statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Music of choice was better than nursery rhymes and no music in reducing anxiety in children. Conclusion: The music of choice was more effective in reducing anxiety when compared to the nursery rhyme group and no music group.

Keywords

• anxiety
• children
• music
• pediatric dentist