Effect of Play Dough, Slime, and Plush Toys on Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children During Dental … (NCT07445594) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effect of Play Dough, Slime, and Plush Toys on Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children During Dental Treatment
90 participantsStarted 2026-02-17
Plain-language summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tactile distraction materials, including play dough, slime, and plush toys, on dental anxiety, pain perception, and physiological stress responses in children undergoing dental treatment. Ninety children aged 6-10 years receiving restorative dental treatment under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four groups: play dough, slime, plush toy, or control group without distraction. Dental anxiety and pain levels were assessed using validated psychometric scales, while physiological stress responses were evaluated through heart rate monitoring and salivary cortisol measurements. The study seeks to determine whether simple non-pharmacological distraction techniques can improve behavioral cooperation and reduce anxiety and pain perception during pediatric dental procedures. Findings may contribute to the development of child-friendly dental management strategies and enhance the quality of pediatric dental care.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 10 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Children aged 6-10 years requiring restorative dental treatment.
. Indication for dental treatment under local anesthesia.
. Ability to understand and respond to dental anxiety and pain assessment scales (CFSS-DS and Wong-Baker Faces Scale).
. Children classified as ASA I or ASA II.
. No prior exposure to the distraction materials used in the study during dental treatment.
. Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Dental Anxiety Level Assessed by the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS)
Timeframe: Immediately before the dental procedure (baseline) and immediately after completion of the dental procedure (same day, periprocedural)
2
Physiological Stress Response - Cortisol
Timeframe: During the dental procedure (at the 10th minute of treatment)