The scent of lavender can significantly lower dental patients' anxiety levels, according to a study presented at the British Psychological Society's (BPS) health psychology conference at the University of Bath on September 12.
Researchers from King's College London measured the anxiety levels of 340 patients using a questionnaire while they waited for a scheduled dental appointment, according to a BPS press release. Half were exposed to the lavender scent during regular visits over a four-week period, while the rest were not. The anxiety level of those not exposed to lavender was 10.7 compared with 7.4 among those smelling the scent.
"This is a significant difference and it was present regardless of the type of dental appointment," said Koula Asimakopoulou, lecturer in health psychology at King's College and one of the researchers. "Our findings suggest that lavender could certainly be used as an effective 'on-the-spot' anxiety reduction in dentists' waiting rooms."
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