Citation Information :
Kumthekar SS, Hugar SM, Sahai VV, Bhusari BN, Gokhale N, Patil AA. Effectiveness of Binaural Beats in Reduction of Anxiety among Children Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Systematic Review. World J Dent 2025; 16 (1):74-79.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of binaural beats in minimizing anxiety among children undergoing dental treatment.
Background: Music therapy, binaural auditory beats in particular, provides significant anxiety relief by exposing each ear to slightly different frequencies, creating a perceived third frequency. Research shows that these beats influence brainwave patterns, promoting relaxation and concentration.
Review results: The review included randomized and nonrandomized trials comparing binaural beats with other music distraction aids in the reduction of anxiety among children undergoing dental treatment. Studies were quality-assessed and categorized as low, some concerns, or high. The search strategy initially identified 4,730 articles. Following a screening of titles and abstracts, 204 articles were shortlisted for full-text evaluation. In the end, only three articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.
Conclusion: Binaural auditory beats have demonstrated significant effectiveness in alleviating anxiety in children during dental procedures, owing to their capacity to synchronize brainwaves. The adoption of noninvasive, nonpharmacological psychotherapeutic approaches to reduce patient anxiety needs to be endorsed in dental environments.
Clinical significance: Binaural beats provide a noninvasive, cost-effective, and safe method to reduce dental anxiety, improving patient comfort, treatment efficiency, and overall satisfaction. This approach minimizes the need for pharmacological interventions, making it accessible and beneficial for widespread use in dental and other medical settings. By consolidating evidence, the review supports the adoption of binaural beats as an evidence-based tool for anxiety management.
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