Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Infrared LED Photobiomodulation in Children With Sleep Bruxism

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Infrared LED Photobiomodulation in Children With Sleep Bruxism: Study Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial.

Sleep bruxism is a masticatory muscle activity characterized as rhythmic (phasic) or non-rhythmic (tonic). The literature reports the prevalence rates, diverse etiologies and different types of treatment. In children and adolescents, etiological factors, such as breathing pattern and sleep quality, have recently been addressed in studies investigating sleep bruxism. While studies have also reported psychological factors as a causal factor, this aspect requires further research. There are also divergences in opinion regarding the form of treatment. New therapies for adults, such as botulinum toxin, have been investigated, but such techniques are not applicable for individuals in the growth and development phase. Thus, photobiomodulation therapy has piqued the interest of researchers, as this noninvasive method has demonstrated positive results in problems related to muscle tissues. This document describes the protocol for a proposed study to evaluate morphological and psychosocial aspects in children and adolescents with awake bruxism and their responses to photobiomodulation therapy with infrared LED.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mixed dentition phase (permanent incisors and molars erupted)
• established permanent dentition.

Exclusion Criteria:

• dental caries
• using medications, such as anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants, corticoids, anticonvulsants and antidepressants
• those with chronic diseases that affect muscles or motor coordination
• those who do not cooperate during the evaluation