Original Research

Comparative Evaluation of Child-Friendly Breathing Techniques in Managing Dental Anxiety: An In Vivo Study

Year: 2026
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pages: 10–18

Authors

Selseya R¹, Deepti Jawa², Vidhyatharan M³, Shah Maruf Hussain⁴, Bharath Kandanattu⁵, Yuva Surya A⁶

Corresponding Author

Dr. Selseya R
Post Graduate Student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
D.J College of Dental Sciences and Research
Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: selseya03@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Dentophobia refers to an ongoing fear centered on dental procedures or objects. This anxiety can be addressed through various methods, including specific breathing techniques like diaphragmatic, pinwheel, and balloon breathing.

Aim: To assess and compare the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing, pinwheel breathing, and balloon breathing in managing anxiety during dental procedures.

Methodology: The study included 40 children aged 4–10 years with dental anxiety, randomly assigned to four equal groups: diaphragmatic breathing (Group 1), balloon breathing (Group 2), pinwheel breathing (Group 3), and a control group with no breathing exercises (Group 4). Measurements of pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anxiety levels using the picture test were taken before and after treatment. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and inferential statistics were performed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: All three breathing techniques significantly reduced pulse rate, blood pressure, and Venham Picture Test scores compared with the control group. Among the interventions, diaphragmatic breathing demonstrated the greatest reduction in both physiological and psychological anxiety parameters (p < 0.001). The diaphragmatic breathing group demonstrated the lowest postoperative VPT score, indicating the greatest reduction in anxiety, followed by the pinwheel and balloon breathing groups.

Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing proved most effective among the methods tested.

Keywords

Dental Anxiety, Child, Pediatric Dentistry, Respiration, Relaxation Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trial

How to Cite This Article

Selseya R, Deepti Jawa, Vidhyatharan M, Shah Maruf Hussain, Bharath Kandanattu, Yuva Surya A. Comparative Evaluation of Child-Friendly Breathing Techniques in Managing Dental Anxiety: An In Vivo Study. Int J Pedo Rehab 2026;11(1):10–18.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56501/Intjpedorehab.111.ijped0018