Efficacy of Contemporary Distraction Tools and Multifaceted Distraction Techniques in Paediatric Dentistry: A Comparative Study Using Magic Thumb Trick and Inflated Balloon Technique among Children Aged 4 to 9 Years in Bengaluru City

Sanmati S Korishetti, Deepak P Bhayya

Abstract: Background: Dental anxiety is one of the most common behavioral challenges encountered during pediatric dental treatment. Anxiety often leads to uncooperative behavior, prolonged treatment time, and avoidance of future dental visits. Various distraction techniques have been introduced to minimize anxiety without pharmacological intervention. Among these, magic-based distraction and breathing exercises have gained popularity because they are inexpensive, easy to perform, and engaging for children. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the Magic Thumb Trick and Inflated Balloon Technique in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4?9 years undergoing dental treatment. Materials and Methods: A randomized comparative in vivo study will be conducted among forty children aged 4-9 years attending the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, M.R. Ambedkar Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (n=20 each). Group A will receive the Magic Thumb Trick, while Group B will receive the Inflated Balloon Technique before and during dental treatment. Anxiety will be assessed using the Wong?Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and physiological response will be measured using heart rate recorded with a pulse oximeter before and after the procedure. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Both distraction techniques are expected to reduce dental anxiety among pediatric patients during dental procedures. However, children in the Magic Thumb Trick group are anticipated to demonstrate a greater reduction in anxiety levels compared to those in the Inflated Balloon Technique group, as assessed using standardized anxiety scales. Improved cooperation during dental treatment is also expected to be observed more frequently in the Magic Thumb Trick group. Both techniques are expected to be well accepted by children and facilitate smoother completion of dental procedures without the need for pharmacological intervention. Overall, the Magic Thumb Trick is anticipated to be a more effective distraction method than the Inflated Balloon Technique in reducing dental anxiety and enhancing cooperative behavior in children undergoing dental treatment. Conclusion: Both the Magic Thumb Trick and the Inflated Balloon Technique are expected to be effective non-pharmacological distraction methods for reducing dental anxiety in children undergoing dental treatment. However, the Magic Thumb Trick is anticipated to be more effective in decreasing anxiety levels and improving child cooperation compared to the Inflated Balloon Technique. Incorporating simple, child-friendly distraction techniques into routine pediatric dental practice may enhance the overall treatment experience, promote positive behavior, and improve the quality of dental care.

Keywords: Dental anxiety, Pediatric dentistry, Behavior management, Magic Thumb Trick, Inflated Balloon Technique, Distraction techniques, Wong?Baker Faces Pain Scale

How to Cite?: Sanmati S Korishetti, Deepak P Bhayya, "Efficacy of Contemporary Distraction Tools and Multifaceted Distraction Techniques in Paediatric Dentistry: A Comparative Study Using Magic Thumb Trick and Inflated Balloon Technique among Children Aged 4 to 9 Years in Bengaluru City", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 704-709, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26708183002, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26708183002

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