IADR Abstract Archives
Effect of Aromatherapy on the Gag Reflex
Objectives: A sensitive gag reflex can prevent dental patients from receiving treatment. Aromatherapy can be used to help patients relax during dental procedures, and to decrease vomiting while taking maxillary impressions. However, the effect of aromatherapy on the gag reflex during dental procedures is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether aromatherapy reduces the gag reflex during dental procedures.
Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, the gag reflex of 24 healthy individuals (12 women and 12 men; mean age: 34.3±9.5 years) was quantified. A standard saliva ejector was slowly guided down the participant’s throat to determine the maximum tolerance of the gag reflex. The insertion distance was measured in order to quantify the gag reflex. All individuals participated in two aromatherapy sessions: one with peppermint essential oil, and one placebo control (distilled water). The gag reflex was quantified before (baseline) and after each aromatherapy session, and a paired t-test was performed. Another measurement was performed, using nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a positive control.
Results: Gag reflex values significantly increased after aromatherapy with both the peppermint essential oil and the placebo control, compared to baseline values (p<0.001 and p=0.014, respectively). The gag reflex value also significantly increased during nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the increase of gag reflex values between the positive control and peppermint essential oil aromatherapy, but was significantly less after placebo aromatherapy (p=0.023).
Conclusions: Distilled water inhalation may act as placebo effect to decrease the gag reflex. However, peppermint essential oil aromatherapy was as effective as nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation to decrease the gag reflex. Aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil has a potential clinical application, to reduce the gag reflex during dental procedures.
Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, the gag reflex of 24 healthy individuals (12 women and 12 men; mean age: 34.3±9.5 years) was quantified. A standard saliva ejector was slowly guided down the participant’s throat to determine the maximum tolerance of the gag reflex. The insertion distance was measured in order to quantify the gag reflex. All individuals participated in two aromatherapy sessions: one with peppermint essential oil, and one placebo control (distilled water). The gag reflex was quantified before (baseline) and after each aromatherapy session, and a paired t-test was performed. Another measurement was performed, using nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a positive control.
Results: Gag reflex values significantly increased after aromatherapy with both the peppermint essential oil and the placebo control, compared to baseline values (p<0.001 and p=0.014, respectively). The gag reflex value also significantly increased during nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the increase of gag reflex values between the positive control and peppermint essential oil aromatherapy, but was significantly less after placebo aromatherapy (p=0.023).
Conclusions: Distilled water inhalation may act as placebo effect to decrease the gag reflex. However, peppermint essential oil aromatherapy was as effective as nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation to decrease the gag reflex. Aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil has a potential clinical application, to reduce the gag reflex during dental procedures.