Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the influence of therapeutic toys on the degree of anxiety produced during non-invasive dental procedures. Methods: 212 children, both genders, aged 24 to 36 months, were evaluated. Research carried out in two municipal daycare centers in a city in Maranhão, after approval by CEP-CAAE 08426519.7.0000.5374. The Therapeutic Toy Experimental Group (BT), n = 107, with BT use and the Control Group (CTR), n = 105, without BT were established. Heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements were used, as well as VPT, FIS and FIS (Turma da Mônica) test, taken before and after the procedure, in both groups. Student's t test was used to compare numerical variables, Mann Whitney for anxiety scales and Spearman for correlation. Results: There was a reduction in the degree of anxiety by the Venham Picture Test (VPT) and adapted Facial Scales (FIS) and Turma da Mônica after using BT, as well as a reduction in heart rate. There was a correlation between beats per minute and anxiety scales and between them (p = 0.01) after the procedure. Conclusion: The application of BT promoted a reduction in the level of anxiety, making children more receptive to the dental procedure. It also proved to be a positive and appropriate method to encourage its use in the pediatric clinical routine.