Effect of music on reducing anxiety in children during dental treatment

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of music on anxiety in children during dental care Methods: A total of 40 children 5 to 11 years old were selected; they were randomized into 2 groups (n = 20): group 1: experimental, children were subjected to music therapy; group 2: control, children were not subjected to music therapy. We measured oxygen saturation, heart rate and levels of Corah anxiety scale and pain scale. The results for heart rate were evaluated by ANOVA. The Kruskal Wallis (Dunn) test was used to evaluate the oxygen saturation results and the Wilcoxon test for Corah anxiety and pain scores Results: There was a significant decrease in heart rate (pulse) in children who listened to music during dental treatment (p = 0.05). In the group without music, heart rate remained unchanged throughout the care (p = 0.53). There was no significant difference in oxygen saturation or Corah anxiety and pain scores in children who listened to music during dental care (p > 0.05) Conclusion: It can be concluded that music is a non-pharmacological alternative that reduces anxiety levels in children during dental treatment.