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

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 < 0.05). Left masseter and temporalis EMG activity did not differ over time in the LED group, similar to the control group. Moreover, the EMG activity of masticatory muscles during chewing and upper trapezius muscle did not differ over time in all groups. The results also pointed to a difference in the levels of dopamine between children with and without SB, with Group 3 showing higher levels in the pre-treatment time compared to controls (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.

Effect of Photobiomodulation on Salivary Cortisol, Masticatory Muscle Strength, and Clinical Signs in Children with Sleep Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

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 with SB (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the frequency of children with headache before and after treatment in G1 (p = 0.0005) and G2 (p = 0.0001), with no significant differences between the two groups (G1 and G2). The children in G1 had lower BF on both sides compared to the other groups. In the intragroup analysis after treatment, all groups exhibited an increase in salivary cortisol levels. Conclusions: Bite marks on the buccal mucosa can be used as a complementary sign for the clinical diagnosis of SB. Children with SB responded well to photobiomodulation therapy, as evidenced by the reduction in BF and reports of headache.

Effects of Photobiomodulation in Children with Down Syndrome and Possible Sleep Bruxism: Protocol For A Randomized, Controlled, Blind, Clinical Trial: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

Hypotonia, particularly of the masticatory and oropharyngeal muscles, is 1 of the main characteristics of Down Syndrome (DS), resulting in impaired speech, chewing and swallowing. Moreover, the complete or partial obstruction of the airways during sleep may occur due to hypotonia of the tongue, leading to snoring and sleep disorders, such as obstructive apnea and sleep bruxism. OBJECTIVE:: Analyze salivary levels of dopamine and cortisol and muscle activity before and after treatment with low-level laser therapy administered to acupoints in children with DS. METHODS:: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial will be conducted. Individuals 4 to 17 years of age with a diagnosis of DS and possible sleep bruxism will be screened at the Integrated Health Clinic of Nove de Julho University. We will evaluate orofacial dysfunction (Nordic Orofacial Test - Screening questionnaire), Masseter muscle activity during sleep will be assessed by BiteStrip and the masticatory muscles will be evaluated by electromyography (BTS TMJOINT) head posture as well as salivary cortisol and dopamine. After the evaluations, the participants will be randomized into 2 groups: Grupo 1 - treatment with low-level laser therapy at a wavelength of 808 nm; Group 2 - sham treatment (simulated laser therapy). Treatment will be conducted twice per week for a total of 12 sessions. The data will be tabulated and treated using GraphPad Prism version 7.0. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test will be used to determine the normality of the data. Variables that fit the Gaussian curve will be expressed as mean and standard deviation. The ANOVA 2-way will be used for comparisons between the groups, with the significance level set to 5% (P < .05).ClinicalTrials registration number: NCT04211870.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of infrared light-emitting diode photobiomodulation in children with sleep bruxism: Study protocol for randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep bruxism is a masticatory muscle activity characterized as rhythmic (phasic) or nonrhythmic (tonic). In children and adolescents, etiological factors, such as breathing pattern and sleep quality, have recently been addressed in studies investigating sleep bruxism. 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. METHODS: The participants will be 76 children, which will be randomly allocated to a control group, that is group 1, absence of bruxism; group 2, children with bruxism treated with infrared light-emitting diode (LED); and group 3, bruxism treated with occlusal splint. All participants will be submitted to a clinical evaluation to evaluate muscle activity and salivary biomarkers, before and after treatments. Muscle activity will be verified by electromyography of muscles mastication, masseter and temporal, and salivary biomarkers observed will be cortisol and dopamine levels. DISCUSSION: 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. CLINICAL TRIALS:.

Photodynamic therapy with Bixa orellana extract and LED for the reduction of halitosis: study protocol for a randomized, microbiological and clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis is an unpleasant breath odour that can interfere with the professional life, social life and quality of life of people who suffer from it. A modality of treatment that has been increasing in dentistry is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). Bixa orellana, popularly known as "urucum" is a plant native to Brazil. The seeds are used to produce a dye that is largely used in the food, textile, paint and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study is to verify whether aPDT with Bixa orellana extract and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is effective in reducing halitosis. This method will also be compared with tongue scraping, the most commonly used conventional method for tongue coating removal, and the association of both methods will be evaluated. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial will be conducted at the dental clinic of the Universidade Nove de Julho. Thirty-nine patients will be divided by block randomization into three groups (n = 13) according to the treatment to be performed. In Group 1, tongue scraping will be performed by the same operator in all patients for analysis of the immediate results. Patients will also be instructed on how to use the scraper at home. Group 2 will be treated with aPDT with Bixa orellana extract and the LED light curing device: Valo Cordless Ultradent®. Six points in the tongue dorsum with a distance of 1 cm between them will be irradiated. The apparatus will be pre-calibrated at wavelength 395-480 nm for 20 s and 9.6 J per point. In Group 3, patients will be submitted to the tongue scraping procedure, as well as to the previously explained aPDT. Oral air collection with the Oral Chroma™ and microbiological collections of the tongue coating shall be done before, immediately after and 7 days after treatment for comparison. DISCUSSION: Halitosis treatment is a topic that still needs attention. The results of this trial could support decision-making by clinicians regarding aPDT using blue LEDs for treating halitosis on a daily basis, as most dentists already have this light source in their offices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03346460 . Registered on 17 November 2017.

The relationship between bruxism, sleep quality, and headaches in schoolchildren.

[Purpose] Present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sleep bruxism and headache in school children. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted with 103 children aged 3-6 years. The exclusion criteria were early tooth loss, dental appliance was used, physical or psychological limitations, chronic disease and continuous medication. Sleep bruxism was diagnosed based on an indication by parents of the occurrence of teeth clenching/grinding and incisor/occlusal tooth wear, following the criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep quality was evaluated by a questionnarie, detailing the child's sleep characteristics. [Results] Forty-nine children (47.6%) were diagnosed with sleep bruxism. Those with sleep bruxism were 3.25-fold more likely to present headache. Children whose parents were separated had a significantly greater frequency of sleep bruxism and primary headache. The relative risk of exhibiting primary headache was 13.1 among children with sleep bruxism whose parents were separated. [Conclusion] Children with SB demonstrated a greater risk of having primary headache and those whose parents were separated had a greater chance of having headache. Only sleep bruxism was associated with headache, clenching the teeth during waking hours was not correlated with primary headache.

Evaluation of muscle activity, bite force and salivary cortisol in children with bruxism before and after low level laser applied to acupoints: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bruxism is a repetitive activity that causes tooth wear, audible sounds, and discomfort. Preventive measures have been studied for conditions that can exert a negative influence on physiological development in children. Low-level laser therapy administered over acupoints is an effective, painless, low-cost treatment option that has achieved good results. Thus, the aim of the proposed study is to evaluate changes in muscle activity, bite force and salivary cortisol in children with bruxism after the application of low-level laser to accupoints. METHODS: The children will be randomly allocated to four groups of 19 individuals: G1 - low-level laser; G2 - occlusal splint; G3 - placebo laser; and G4 - control (without bruxism). The BTS TMJOINT electromyography will be used to determine muscle activity and a digital gnathodynamometer will be used to measure bite force. Salivary cortisol will be analysed at baseline as well as one and six months after treatment. Two-way ANOVA will be employed and complemented by Tukey's test. DISCUSSION: Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles that can have negative consequences if not treated, such as tooth wear, noises, discomfort and anxiety. Thus, control and treatment measures should be taken. Although low-level laser therapy over acupoints has been indicated for children, the effects of this treatment modality have not yet been studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02757261 on 8 April 2016. This study protocol received a grant from the Brazilian fostering agency São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP: #2015/24731-0).

Maxillofacial Changes in Melnick-Needles Syndrome.

Background. Melnick-Needles Syndrome is rare congenital hereditary skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the FLNA gene, which codifies the protein filamin A. This condition leads to serious skeletal abnormalities, including the stomatognathic region. Case Presentation. This paper describes the case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Melnick-Needles Syndrome presenting with different forms of skeletal dysplasia, such as cranial hyperostosis, short upper limbs, bowed long bones, metaphyseal thickening, genu valgum (knock-knee), shortened distal phalanges, narrow pelvis and shoulders, rib tapering and irregularities, elongation of the vertebrae, kyphoscoliosis, micrognathia, hypoplastic coronoid processes of the mandible, left stylohyoid ligament suggesting ossification, and dental development anomalies. Conclusion. Knowledge of this rare syndrome on the part of dentists is important due to the fact that this condition involves severe abnormalities of the stomatognathic system that cause an impact on the development of the entire face as well as functional and esthetic impairments.

Evaluation of electromyographic signals in children with bruxism before and after therapy with Melissa Officinalis L-a randomized controlled clinical trial.

[Purpose] Bruxism is a repetitive muscle activity involving the clenching or grinding of one's teeth during sleep or waking hours. Melissa officinalis L. may be employed as a natural therapy due to the sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasm properties of the chemical constituents of the essential oil obtained from its leaves. The aim of the present study was to evaluate electromyographic signals in the temporal muscle using the BiteStrip(®) test on children with sleep bruxism before and after therapy with Melissa officinalis L. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) ingested a tincture containing Melissa officinalis L. for 30 days. Group 2 (n = 12) received a placebo solution with the same dose and frequency as Group 1. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were employed for statistical analysis. [Results] The sample was made up of 24 children aged 6 to 10 years. No statistically significant differences were found between initial and final muscle activity in either group or in an intergroup comparison. [Conclusion] Use of the Melissa officinalis L. tincture at the dose employed did not lead to a reduction in muscle activity in children with bruxism.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for the endodontic treatment of primary teeth: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from the root canal system is one of the major steps required for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of the proposed study is to conduct a randomized, controlled, clinical trial for the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy during the endodontic treatment of primary teeth. METHODS: Thirty primary anterior teeth in children aged 3 to 6 years old will be randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group, which will receive conventional treatment, and an experimental group, which will be subjected to photodynamic therapy. Microbiological evaluations will be performed before and after endodontic treatment. Moreover, clinical and radiographic evaluations will be performed on the day of treatment as well as 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Comparisons will be made of the two study groups. The data will be tabulated and presented in a descriptive, analytical fashion. Depending on the distribution (normal or non-normal), either the t test, ANOVA or the Mann-Whitney test will be used for analysis of the variables. The Wilcoxon test will be used for comparisons before and after treatment. P values<0.05 (95% significance level) will be considered indicative of statistically significant differences. DISCUSSION: As successful endodontic treatment is directly related to intra-canal bacterial disinfection and considering the difficult task of endodontic treatment in primary teeth, often due to difficulties in controlling young children, the internal anatomy of root canals and root resorption, the alternative of using PDT is a painless,easy-to-administer method that does not lead to microbial resistance and can assist in the achievement of successful endodontic treatment in primary teeth by eliminating the pain children can experience due to retreatment as well as premature tooth loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study was registered with Clinical Trials number NCT02485210 on 30 july 2015.

Promoçäo de saúde bucal através de um Programa Educativo-preventivo-curativo utilizando a Técnica Restauradora Atraumática (ART) / Promoting oral health trough an Educational Preventive Healing Program using the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)

Uma técnica alternativa de tratamento para controle da cárie dentária foi apresentada à OMS (Organizaçäo Mundial da Saúde) em 1994. A ART (Técnica Restauradora Atraumática) consiste na remoçäo do tecido cariado com instrumentos manuais, preenchimento da cavidade com material adesivo que libera flúor e sem a necessidade de anestesia prévia. Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo avaliar o grau de aceitaçäo desta nova técnica pelos pacientes e analisar as alteraçöes ocorridas na microbiota oral pós-tratamento. O programa educativo-preventivo foi realizado em conjunto com o tratamento curativo em 30 crianças de ambos os sexos, com idade de 4 a 7 anos, em dentes decíduos e permanentes com material restaurador próprio para este fim. Antes e após o tratamento foram realizadas coletas salivares para posterior análise laboratorial, com a finalidade de observar as modificaçöes quantitativas ocorridas na microbiota oral após o tratamento. A técnica obteve 98 por cento de aceitaçäo por parte das crianças devido à ausência de anestesia, simplicidade e rapidez. Foi concluído que: promover educaçäo em saúde oral, sem ter a possibilidade de tratar os problemas presentes na comunidade compromete os efeitos dessa educaçäo. Portanto, todo programa de saúde oral deve ser preventivo, educativo e curativo

Fratura coronário-radicular em dentes decíduos anteriores: alternativa de tratamento / Root-crown fracture in anterior deciduous teeth: alternative treatment

Os autores relatam uma alternativa de tratamento para dentes decíduos anteriores com fratura oblíqua coronário-radicular, através de uma restauração metálica fundida com faceta estética e extensão intra-radicular, com a finalidade de evitar os danos decorrentes da avulsão de dentes decíduos, em pacientes de pouca idade. Os resultados demonstram ser a técnica descrita eficaz, rápida e de fácil execução