I have been using therapeutic grade essential oils on myself and my dental patients since 2008. I have seen dramatic results in reducing patient’s anxiety levels when applied prior to and during the dental procedures. This article will outline the use of essential oils in a clinical setting.

I diffuse essential oils in my operatory daily with the use of an ultrasonic cold water diffuser. The diffuser emits a fine mist of essential oil particles into the air along with negative ions, like the ocean. Diffusing essential oils increases the oxygen level in the air along with reducing bacteria, mold and fungus. The oils have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. (1)

Diffusing oils is a gentle way to incorporate them into your practice to improve air quality. I have found that people do not react negatively to the aromas of the diffused oils as they might to chemical fragrances that are cut with toxic chemicals and solvents. The essential oils that I use are pure plant oils recovered through seam distillation. The oils are retrieved through a “cool water extraction” process to preserve the therapeutic properties. Many of the oils are organic or kosher. Because they are pure they can be applied topically, and some can even be ingested.

Direct palm inhalation is another great method to benefit from essential oils. Place one or two drops of oils in the palm of your hand, rub in a circular motion. Cup your hands over your nose and inhale the aroma. I do not recommend health food store oils as they can be toxic due to the chemicals used to extract them. If I have patient that I anxious, I like to diffuse lavender, orange or oil called Peace & Calming.Peace & Calming contains tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and blue tansy.

One experience that I can share is about a male patient, mid 50’s, with a past history of panic attacks. He could never sit through a prophylaxis appointment without getting out of the hair at five minute intervals. I asked him if I could try some Peace & Calming oil on his wrist. With his permission, I asked him to apply one drop to each wrist, rub them together and inhale the aroma. He was able to sit for the entire procedure without getting out of the chair. The next time that I saw him, he exposed his wrists and said, “Don’t forget the Peace & Calming oi,” Inhaling essential oils affects he limbic system of the brain and has been used to help cancer patients overcome anxiety from their treatments. (2) Be careful t not get oils in your eyes of(or) the eyes of your patients.

A study was done using orange and lavender oils at the University Clinic of neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. (3) They tested the effects of inhaling essential oils while waiting for a dental procedure. The goal of the study was to examine the impact of the essential oils of orange and lavender on anxiety, mood, alertness and calmness in dental patients.

Two hundred patients between the ages of 18 and 77 years, with equal numbers of women and men, were assigned to one of four independent groups. While waiting for dental procedures patient were either stimulated with ambient odor of orange or ambient odor of lavender. These conditions were compared to a music condition and control condition (no odor, no music). Anxiety, mood, alertness and calmness we assessed while patients waited for dental treatment.

Statistical analyses revealed that compared to control condition both ambient odors of orange and lavender reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment. These findings support the opinion that odors are capable of altering emotional states and many indicated that the use of odors is helpful in reducing anxiety in dental patients.

Another study showed that lavender aromatherapy has the potential to ease anxiety in patients undergoing minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures. (4) In Japan in a 2007 study, researchers demonstrated that smelling lavender and rosemary oils for five minutes decreased cortisol levels. (5) Free radicals/reactive oxygen species are related to many biological phenomena such as inflammation, aging, and carcinogenesis. Free radical scavenging activity (FRSA)is a protective mechanism that can be measured in saliva. The results of his study shed light on the fact that lavender and rosemary enhance FRSA and decease the stress hormone, cortisol, which protects the body from oxidative stress. (5)

Another study had similar results, showing decreased cortisol levels after smelling lavender for ten minutes. (6) A Kings College, London, study involved a group of dental patients waiting for treatment (7) Part of the group inhaled lavender oil, the others oil with no odor. The lavender group reported feeling less anxious than the other group. The conclusion was, that although anxiety about future dental visits seems to be unaffected, lavender scent reduces state anxiety in dental patients, and that lavender was an effective “on the spot” treatment to reduce anxiety in dental patients.

The use of essential oils in the dental or dental hygiene office can be very helpful to your patients. Please be aware of the potential safety issues and the chemical properties of the oils you choose to use in the office. Aromatherapy is not the same as enhancing the atmosphere of a clinical setting with smells of commercial air fresheners, spices, potpourri, scented candles, or other nice-smelling items. Aromatherapy involves scientific use of pure essential oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being, such as calming effects to enhance the patient experience. Educate yourself and use essential oils safely and effectively.