Oral or nasal breathing; preferred breathing pattern for endodontics
Usman Sana, Attique Ur Rehman, Faizan Haroon, Lubna Yousaf, Maryam Virda, Meral Fatima, Amina Tariq
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ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of study was to explore the relationship of breathing and pain during endodontic
therapy.
Materials and methods: 500 patients who presented in the department of operative dentistry were included in
the study. Numeric pain scale was used to document the pain perceived during endodontic therapy. Results were
analysed using SPSS version 23.
Results: Among the 500 cases, 250 cases presented with mild pain, 158 presented with moderate pain while 92
presented with severe pain. 55.4% cases were of nasal breathers while 44.6% cases were of oral breathers.
Conclusion: Patients presenting with nasal breathing pattern reported with mild pain perception during
endodontic therapy when compared to patients who were oral breathers. Considering life style modifications like
breathing patterns, body hydration and sleep impact the patient’s life and pain management during endodontic
therapy. Educating patients on proper breathing and its benefits will have positive outcome on endodontic
therapy.
Keywords: Oral breathing, nasal breathing, pain perception, endodontics.