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Pre-school children experience higher dental anxiety and less cooperation with glass ionomer fissure sealant application compared to sodium fluoride varnish, making the latter a more suitable option for anxious kids.
In a study issued in the European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) substantially outperformed glass ionomer fissure sealant (GIS) in reducing dental anxiety and improving cooperation among pre-school children during dental treatments, despite similar pain levels being reported.
The randomized controlled trial, which involved 413 children (aged between 3 and 6 years), sought to compare the effect of GIS versus NaFV application on children's behaviour. A total of 228 children were designated to the NaFV group, while 185 children were placed in the GIS group. Using the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS) and Venham Behaviour Rating Scale (VBRS), the children's dental anxiety and cooperation were observed throughout the treatment.
Additionally, the children self-reported their pain levels using the Wong-Baker Faces Scale.
The results showed a significant difference in post-treatment anxiety, with children in the NaFV group exhibiting more positive behavior scores (p = 0.016). The type of preventive intervention was the only factor that prominently impacted post-treatment dental anxiety and cooperation (p = 0.032). No other clinical or socio-demographic factors influenced the children's behavior after treatment. These findings highlight NaFV as a preferred choice for promoting a more relaxed and cooperative environment in young children undergoing dental care.
European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry
Glass ionomer fissure sealants versus fluoride varnish application on children’s behaviour: a randomised controlled trial
H H C Chiu et al.
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