Abstract
Background: The environment is often overlooked when considering dental treatment. Yet the dental environment and the interior design of a dentist's surgery may elicit a number of physiological and psychological responses in patients. This study considers the importance of the interior design of a dental surgery and the use of natural auditory stimuli to prevent the gagging reflex.
Methods: This study included twenty male patients who attended the Prosthodontic clinics at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) for help with removable dentures. During final maxillary impression making visit, the patients were split into two equal groups (group A and group B), each group consisted of ten members. Group B experienced the natural auditory stimuli whilst undergoing treatment. Group A didn't experience the stimuli. The physiological reaction of each patient within both groups was assessed by measuring the pulse rate / minutes (BPM) and arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (SpO2 %). To assess the psychometric variables, patient's satisfaction levels and opinions regarding their treatment was evaluated by testing the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). In addition, the patients in group B were questioned regarding how they felt after listening to the natural sounds.
Results: Hearing natural sounds appeared to decrease and/or inhibit the biological stress response domains. This study revealed that patients who experienced the auditory stimulus displayed decreased heart rate and increased arterial oxygen saturation compared to the control group. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) demonstrated that aspects of physical pain and psychological discomfort presented the highest within the control group. Patients' responses showed that listening to natural auditory stimuli appeared to provide calm, relaxation and a better quality of treatment.
Conclusions: The use of natural environmental sound stimuli is a novel successful tool that can be implemented to manage the gag reflex.