Terapia fotodinâmica com laser de baixa potência e led no tratamento do bruxismo do sono infantil – revisão da literatura

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bruxism refers to the act of clenching or grinding the teeth, caused by repetitive jaw movements. It can be primary, with no medical cause, or secondary, linked to neurological or psychiatric problems. Common in children and adolescents, if left untreated, it can cause dental wear, gum disease and muscle pain. The causes of bruxism include anxiety, personality traits, endocrine alterations, occlusal factors, malocclusion, nutritional deficiencies, respiratory problems, allergies, intestinal parasites, oral habits, neurotransmitters and sleep quality. The diagnosis and treatment of bruxism are challenging. Low-level laser therapy is effective, painless and affordable, improving circulation, inflammation, pain, swelling and accelerating healing. The application of LED to the masticatory muscles impacts the local tissues around them, and studies prove the effectiveness of LED treatment on muscle tissues. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a literature review on the applicability of photodynamic therapy with low-level laser and LED and its effects in the treatment of sleep bruxism. METHODOLOGY: PubMED searches were performed using the terms laser, bruxism, treatment, LED and child. Studies from the last 10 years were considered eligible. Nine articles were found; after reading the abstracts, seven were included and two were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The use of laser and LED has proven effective in the treatment of sleep bruxism, reducing headache and decreasing bite force. Studies suggest that photobiomodulation is a viable alternative for the treatment of bruxism. However, more randomized clinical trials are still needed to prove its real effectiveness. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Although photodynamic therapy has shown good results, studies detailing and proving the benefits of using laser are lacking. LED therapy has proven to be a low-cost and easy-to-apply option for the treatment of muscle disorders related to bruxism.