Assessment of the Relationship between Crying Patterns, Dental Anxiety, and Behavior Guidance Techniques: A Behavioral Interventional Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: The cry is considered the basic reflex action the child tries to communicate. Applying behavior guidance techniques (BGT) suitably allows the dentist to lessen fear and anxiety. Aim: The study aims to correlate the crying patterns with behavior and dental anxiety, and select appropriate nonpharmacological BGT for a specific type of cry. Settings and design: The present study is designed to be a single-arm, behavioral interventional study. Materials and methods: A total of 50 children aged 5-11 years were included, out of which crying was observed in 39 children. The cry was video-recorded during different treatment procedures commonly employed in pediatric dentistry and evaluated by two examiners to determine its type. Furthermore, the BGT was applied in a specific order, starting from tell, show, do (TSD) to physical restraints until the child displays a positive behavior; then, the appropriate technique was noted. Dental anxiety was noted preoperatively, during the treatment, and postoperatively. The data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the cry, precise BGT can be chosen for a particular treatment procedure. Hence, cry can be considered a potential communication tool in pediatric dentistry. Clinical significance: Cry can be an effective means of communication in pediatric dentistry. Clinically, the study helps to choose a particular behavior guidance to alleviate dental fear and anxiety. How to cite this article: Assessment of the Relationship between Crying Patterns, Dental Anxiety, and Behavior Guidance Techniques: A Behavioral Interventional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(S-1):S6-S10.
Authors: Namratha Tharay, Deepa Gurunathan, Nirmala SVSG, Sivakumar Nuvvula, Venkata N Bavikati
Institutions: Saveetha University, Narayana Dental College and Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415986172