Salivary Cortisol: A Biomarker for Stress Indicator in Children

JOURNAL TITLE: CODS - Journal of Dentistry

Author
1. C Amrutha
2. S Prathibha Rani
3. R Sudhir
4. P Praveen
5. A Anantharaj
ISSN
2230-8695
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10063-0064
Volume
12
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2020
Pages
4
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DAPM RV Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DAPM RV Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DAPM RV Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DAPMRV Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DAPM RV Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Article keywords

    Abstract

    Aim and objective: To assess the child's anxiety level for various dental procedures using a standard questionnaire and by measuring the salivary cortisol level. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and methods: A sample of 24 healthy children (8–10 years) visiting the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, DAPM RV Dental College, Bengaluru were selected. They were divided into three groups: group I—eight children having their first dental visit, group II—eight children requiring oral prophylaxis after their first visit, group III—eight children requiring extraction of 1 or 2 teeth after their first visit. Levels of dental anxiety were assessed in children using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children State (STAIC-S) before and after the treatment. Salivary cortisol was assessed in children before and after the treatment using the ELISA test. Statistical analysis used: Student paired t-test was used to compare the mean anxiety score and cortisol levels between pre- and post-time intervals for different procedures within the child group. Results: In children, the mean anxiety score was reduced after the treatment. There was a proportionate decrease in the mean anxiety level among children irrespective of the procedure. Also, there was a reduction in the cortisol level from pre- to post-procedure among children. Conclusion: Assessment of cortisol level in children could be a significant factor that can be used as one of the physiological parameters for various dental procedures.

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