Comparative Evaluation of Peppermint Oil, Lignocaine Gel, and Ice as Topical Anesthetics for Intraoral Injections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Fear or anxiety about receiving a local anesthetic injection is a common issue in dental settings, particularly in pediatric dentistry. This fear often stems from the anticipation of pain or discomfort associated with the injection, which can serve as a significant barrier to effective treatment delivery. In children, anticipatory anxiety is especially prevalent, meaning they often experience fear even before the procedure begins, based on what they expect will happen. Objective: This study aimed to compare and evaluate pain perception following the topical application of peppermint oil, lignocaine gel, and ice before an intraoral injection in children aged 7-14 years. Method: A total of 150 children, aged between 7 and 14 years, who required local anesthesia (LA) for the dental procedure were divided into three groups of 50 each (group I: lignocaine gel, group II: ice, and group III: peppermint oil). Objective pain measurement [sound, eye, motor (SEM) scale] during administration and subjective measurement [visual analog scale (VAS)] after LA administration were recorded. Results: In intergroup comparison on the basis of SEM and VAS, peppermint oil showed the least pain score, followed by lignocaine gel and ice. Conclusion: Peppermint oil can be used as a topical anesthetic prior to LA administration. How to cite this article: . Comparative Evaluation of Peppermint Oil, Lignocaine Gel, and Ice as Topical Anesthetics for Intraoral Injections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(10):1194-1199.
Authors: Diksha Sharma, Manohar Bhat, Abhishek Khairwa, Diksha Shekhawat, Bhargab Roy Medhi, Bidisha Borah
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415388481