Management of Myofascial Pain in Children With Sleep Bruxism

Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Kinesio Tape and Occlusal Splint Use in the Management of Myofascial Pain in Children With Sleep Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study compared the effectiveness of Kinesio tape and occlusal splint application in improving sleep quality and reducing myofascial pain in children with sleep bruxism.

Forty-seven pediatric patients with sleep bruxism symptoms were randomly assigned into 3 groups for treatment: Kinesio tape group (KT), Occlusal splint group (OS), and Exercise group (EG). The following assessments were made in all 3 groups, before the treatment and at the end of the 1st and 5th week: Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS), measurement of maximum mouth opening, assessment of pressure pain threshold of the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles, and evaluation of temporal and masseter muscle thickness by ultrasonography.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 6-11 years [1] presented to the clinic and had at least one symptom of sleep bruxism,
• Children and parents who agreed to participate in the study,
• Children who have not been treated for sleep bruxism before,
• Children who can cooperate,
• Children without maxillofacial trauma.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Children with psychiatric/neurological/systemic disorders,

  • Children with a history of allergies or asthma,
  • Children using orthodontic appliances,
  • Children taking any medication,
  • Children with dental abscess or fistula mouth,
  • Children using a fixed or removable placeholder appliance.