ANXIETY AND BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS DURING DENTAL CARE

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety and fear during pediatric dental care are frequent challenges in pediatric dentistry, potentially compromising children’s cooperation and hindering the performance of clinical procedures. In this context, behavioral management becomes essential to provide more humanized and efficient care. Objective: To analyze, through an integrative literature review, the influence of behavioral management techniques on reducing anxiety and improving the behavior of pediatric patients during dental care. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted using articles published between 2021 and 2026 from the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar databases. Descriptors related to pediatric dentistry, dental anxiety, and behavioral management were used. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the eligible studies were qualitatively analyzed. Results: The studies demonstrated that techniques such as positive reinforcement, distraction, music therapy, appropriate verbal communication, and humanized care showed positive results in reducing children’s fear and anxiety. In addition, individualized strategies proved effective in the dental care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Discussion: Behavioral management was observed to significantly improve children’s cooperation, strengthen the professional-patient relationship, and promote more positive dental experiences. Final considerations: It is concluded that behavioral management is indispensable in pediatric dentistry, promoting greater safety, emotional comfort, and quality in pediatric dental care.