Increased salivary cortisol in severe dental anxiety.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of saliva collection from highly anxious dental patients and to evaluate whether salivary cortisol concentrations could discriminate between 13 highly anxious dental patients and 13 non-anxious subjects. Whole mixed saliva was sampled by suction after stimulation with citric acid crystals. Salivary free cortisol levels were measured in duplicate by radioimmunoassay. Collection of saliva took 2-5 min and was not experienced as unpleasant. Salivary free cortisol concentrations were significantly elevated if the patients manifested anxiety according to the scores on the Dental Anxiety Scale. The measurement of salivary cortisol may be a convenient method for the assessment of dental anxiety.