The Possibility of Relieving Toothache During Orthodontic Treatment With Aromatherapy

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of aromatherapy in alleviating toothache associated with orthodontic treatment.
Methods: Forty-eight patients (19 men and 29 women; mean age, 26 years 5 months) undergoing tooth separation of the mesiodistal left and right first molars of the upper jaw in orthodontic treatment were randomized by minimization method into three groups: lavender, peppermint, and placebo (purified water) groups. Patients received one hour aromatherapy, 48 hours after the initiation of the tooth separation procedure. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the spontaneous pain immediately after and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after initiation of tooth separation and 30 minutes and one hour after beginning aromatherapy. Percussion pain was assessed with the VAS immediately after and 48 hours after the initiation of tooth separation and 30 minutes and one hour after beginning aromatherapy. In addition, the amount of oxidized/reduced hemoglobin in the blood was observed for one hour during aromatherapy by performing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Aromatherapy was preceded and followed by a survey of the Profile of Mood States (POMS).
Results: Assessment with the VAS and NIRS showed a toothache-alleviating effect that lasted for the first 30 minutes in the lavender group; the peppermint group showed a longer and more intense effect than the lavender group. Comparison of the rate of change between the groups with ANOVA did not show a significant difference. Assessment of the POMS showed a decrease in all items after inhalation.
Conclusions: These results suggest the possibility that aromatherapy inhalation may have an effect in alleviating toothache during tooth separation.