Effect of Photobiomodulation on Salivary Cortisol, Masticatory Muscle Strength, and Clinical Signs in Children with Sleep Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of sleep bruxism (SB) in children is difficult due to the lack of a polysomnographic protocol for this population. Moreover, the gold standard treatment [occlusal splint (OS) therapy] has limitations, as adequate use depends on the child's cooperation. The etiology of SB may include stress factors. Salivary cortisol is a biomarker used as a noninvasive method to evaluate the response to stress. Besides physiological aspects, it is also important to investigate morphological aspects, such as masticatory muscle strength. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of bite marks on the buccal mucosa in children as a complementary sign for the diagnosis of SB and investigate and the effectiveness of photobiomodulation as an alternative treatment for this condition. Methods: Seventy-six children 6–12 years of age were divided into four groups: G1—with SB and submitted to laser therapy over acupuncture points (λ = 786.94 nm, 20 sec per point, fluency = 33.5 Jcm2, energy = 1 J, number of points = 12); G2—with SB, use of OS, G3—with SB and submitted to sham laser therapy; and G4—control group without SB. Clinical signs (bite marks on buccal mucosa and headaches), bite force (BF), and salivary cortisol (biomarker of stress) were evaluated before and after treatment. Statistical analysis involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Shapiro–Wilk, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: Bite marks on the buccal mucosa were significantly associated…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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