In a recent study conducted by Dutch researchers, the research team surveyed 150 adults who were waiting for dental treatment. The scents of either apples or oranges were sprayed into the waiting room 30 minutes before the patients arrived. Another group of 69 adults surveyed, were not exposed to either scent.
Despite the fact that previous studies have found that orange, lavender, vanilla and heliotropin scents reduce anxiety, this study showed that none of the scents had an effect on the amount of anxiety or pain that patients felt in the dental clinic. Scents however, have been tested as weight-loss aids as well as suggested as treatments for depression and dementia.
Other groups of researchers studied whether the smell of a dental office could evoke anxiety. It showed that people with dental fear associated the scent with fear and anger and aversion, at the time when those without dental fear associated it with happiness and surprise.
Source: InteliHealth News Service
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