Modulatory role of background music on cognitive interference task in young people

Effect of Mozart's music on the learning of toothbrushing behavior in children with high and low dental anxiety levels

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Mozart's music on the learning of toothbrushing behavior in children with high and low dental anxiety levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, controlled, single-blinded, and observational study was conducted with 60 children, aged 8-12, who were recruited to high dental anxiety level (HDAL) and low dental anxiety level (LDAL) groups. Both groups were divided into two equal subgroups (with or without Mozart's music). In the Mozart's music subgroups, children were exposed to Mozart's Sonata for 7 min and toothbrushing training was given accompanied by music. The training was instructed to the second subgroup without listening to Mozart's music. The periodontal measurements were repeated after 15 days. Three-factor variance analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant decrease in plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) scores in the follow-up visits for all groups (p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease was found in PI values between groups with or without music in those with HDAL (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups with or without music in those with LDAL (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Listening to Mozart's music before toothbrushing training had a significant effect on plaque removal in children with high dental anxiety, while Mozart's music did not have a positive effect in the group with low dental anxiety.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of Mozart's music may be beneficial in oral hygiene education for children with high dental anxiety levels.