Low-Level Laser Therapy Versus Occlusal Splint Therapy for Bruxism in Children

Many children grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep. Doctors call this bruxism. It can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain. This study compared two treatments for bruxism in children. One treatment uses a low-level laser. The other treatment is a custom mouth guard, worn at night. Thirty children, ages 6 to 12, took part. Twenty had bruxism. Researchers put these children into one of two groups by chance. One group got laser treatment. The other group wore a mouth guard. Ten more children did not have bruxism. They got no treatment. This group helped researchers compare results. Before and after treatment, researchers measured how hard each child could bite. They also asked about jaw pain, and how satisfied parents and children were. Children who received laser treatment could bite harder after treatment. The mouth guard group showed no change in biting strength. Both treatments lowered jaw pain. Most parents and children were satisfied with their treatment. These results suggest laser therapy may help children's jaw muscles work normally again.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6 to 12 years * Medically healthy * Parental or legal guardian approval with signed informed consent * LLLT and occlusal splint groups: diagnosis of bruxism based on parental report * LLLT and occlusal splint groups: evidence of attrition (tooth wear) affecting primary and/or permanent dentition * Control group: no clinical signs or symptoms of bruxism, and any needed dental treatment completed Exclusion Criteria: * Use of medications such as muscle relaxants * Presence of temporomandibular joint disorders * Ongoing or previous treatment for bruxism * Associated neurological disorders * Cognitive impairments that interfere with understanding or cooperation during evaluation procedures