524 - Can Children Use Tactile Objects to Self-soothe During Restorative Procedures?

Purpose: Behavioral management in pediatric dentistry often utilizes audio, visual or tactile distractors during treatment. The utility of these distractors for self-soothing in this context is unknown. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of incorporating tactile objects to address dental fear and anxiety in a pediatric sample. 

Methods: Patients aged 7-9 seen in a community clinic for 2-3 quadrants of restorative dental treatment were included. Prior to the procedure, each patient was given the choice of three objects; a fidget spinner, pop-it toy, or fidget stretch toy. The MCDAS scale was administered to assess anxiety pre- and post-treatment, overall score ranging from 6-30 with higher scores indicating increased anxiety. Three additional questions were asked following the intervention to assess patient perceptions of the intervention. Results are presented descriptively. 

Results: Ten patients were included; 9 males. Five subjects chose the pop-it toy, and four subjects chose the fidget stretch toy. The median difference in MCDAS scores pre- vs. post-procedure results was +1.00 (IQR = 1.50). 90.0% of the subjects reported the toy helped with anxiety before the procedure, 60.0% stated the toy helped “a little” during the procedure, and 80.0% thought the toy would help other kids with anxiety associated with dental work. 



Conclusion: While clinically meaningful differences in MCDAS scores were not observed, patients’ self-report indicated tactile objects were helpful in managing their dental anxiety. Future research in an adequately powered sample is warranted and should incorporate patients with documented histories of dental anxiety.

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