A Cross-Sectional Study of Salivary Cortisol, Alpha Amylase, and Measures of Psychological Distress in Children Undergoing Dental Procedures.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Dental fear and anxiety are areas of concern in clinical pediatric dentistry, often leading to treatment avoidance and negative oral-health consequences. Cortisol and alpha amylase, measurable in saliva, have been proposed as biomarkers of stress and may provide an objective means of assessing and monitoring distress over time. This study examined measures of psychological and physiological distress in pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures and their correlation.

Methods

7-to-17-year-old new patients scheduled for a dental procedure or orthodontic bonding completed a psychological battery assessing dental fear (using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and dental anxiety (Modified Children Dental A

SUBMITTER: Main S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12468251 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature