Evaluation of Taste Acceptability of Lavender Oil as a Natural Topical Anesthetic During Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children(A Randomized Controlled Trial)
Keywords:
Taste Acceptability, Topical Anesthetics, Lavender Oil, Benzocaine Gel, InjectionAbstract
Introduction: Topical anesthetics applied to the mucosa prior to injection have long been used to relieve pain before the insertion of the local anesthetic needle. Both lidocaine and benzocaine gels have long been used for this purpose. However, the increase in adverse reactions associated with the use of these chemicals, especially in young children, has been the main reason for the search for alternative. The use of herbs to relieve oral and dental pain has been a popular option for centuries. Nowadays, patients are increasingly turning to oral medications with pleasant tastes and pleasant flavors. Undesirable tastes in medications often lead to patient noncompliance and intolerance. Therefore, masking the bitter taste of medications is essential to ensure patient acceptance, especially in children.Aim of the Study: To evaluate the taste acceptability of lavender oil at concentrations of 1% and 3% as a natural topical anesthetic compared to 20% benzocaine gel during surface anesthesia for inferior alveolar nerve block in children.
Materials and Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical study was conducted on 90 children attending the Pediatric Dentistry Department at the University of Damascus. Cooperative children (Frankl behavior ratings 3 and 4) aged 7–11 years were included. The sample was divided into three groups of 30 children each: 1% lavender oil, 3% lavender oil, and 20% benzocaine gel. Each material was applied for two minutes. Children were then asked to rate the taste of the material used for anesthesia as good (1), acceptable (2), or bad (3).
Result: The results showed statistically significant differences among the study groups, with a marked superiority of 1% lavender oil over the other anesthetics.
onclusions:1% lavender oil demonstrated a more pleasant and acceptable taste among children compared to 20% benzocaine gel and 3% lavender oil.
