Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Care

Abstract

Introduction:

The management of pain and anxiety in pediatric dentistry is a significant challenge, impacting children's attitudes towards dental care and their overall oral health. Previous studies have indicated a high prevalence of dental anxiety among children, with traditional pharmacological methods posing potential risks. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in managing pain and anxiety in pediatric dental settings, providing an evidence-based perspective on their utility and implications for clinical practice.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on interventional studies and clinical trials published up to 2022. The inclusion criteria targeted studies that employed non-pharmacological interventions for pain and anxiety management in pediatric dentistry, with a clear reporting of outcomes. The quality of the studies was assessed, and data extraction focused on intervention type, sample size, effectiveness, and risk ratios with confidence intervals.

Results:

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a range of interventions such as virtual reality, guided imagery, cognitive strategies, and audiovisual aids. The interventions demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety and pain, with risk ratios indicating a 40% reduction in anxiety levels for virtual reality interventions (95% CI, 30-50%) and a 35% decrease in pain scores for guided imagery and relaxation techniques (95% CI, 25-45%). Cognitive strategies improved coping abilities by 50% (95% CI, 40-60%), highlighting the varied but consistently positive impact of these approaches.

Conclusions:

Non-pharmacological interventions offer a viable and effective alternative for managing pain and anxiety in pediatric dentistry, with significant implications for enhancing patient experience and outcomes. These findings support the integration of such approaches into pediatric dental practice, underscoring the need for further research to explore the full potential of these interventions and their practical implementation.