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VOLUME 12 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2020 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Salivary Cortisol: A Biomarker for Stress Indicator in Children

S Prathibha Rani, C Amrutha, A Anantharaj, P Praveen, R Sudhir

Citation Information : Rani SP, Amrutha C, Anantharaj A, Praveen P, Sudhir R. Salivary Cortisol: A Biomarker for Stress Indicator in Children. CODS J Dent 2020; 12 (1):7-10.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10063-0064

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 05-04-2021

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


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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