Immediate Evaluation of the Effect of Infrared LED Photobiomodulation on Childhood Sleep Bruxism: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

The gold standard for the management of sleep bruxism (SB) is the use of a rigid occlusal splint; however, there are limitations for its use in children and alternatives to the management of SB are needed. Photobiomodulation therapy has been used with positive results in temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy with infrared LED in children with SB. Thirty children were divided into three groups: Group 1: control/absence of bruxism (n = 10); Group 2: SB treated with infrared LED (n = 10); Group 3: SB treated with occlusal splint (n = 10). Electromyographic evaluation of masseter, anterior temporalis, and upper trapezius, and salivary dopamine levels were assessed before and after treatments. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way mixed model ANOVA. An increase in the temporalis and right masseter EMG activity at rest was observed in Group 3, with large effect size (p p < 0.025). In conclusion, an increase in the masticatory muscles activity at rest was observed in children undergoing splint therapy. Moreover, a difference in the levels of salivary dopamine was found between children with and without SB.

Keywords

• bruxism
• saliva
• laser therapy
• muscles
• electromyography
• dopamine