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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
57
Kinesio taping is a technique that involves the application of a special elastic tape to the skin to provide support to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion. This method is designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process and improve muscle function while providing support and stability to muscles and joints. Kinesio tape is believed to help reduce pain, support muscles during movement, and aid in rehabilitation. It is commonly used in sports medicine and physical therapy to address a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.
Occlusal splinting, also known as a bite guard or night guard, is a removable dental appliance typically made of plastic that is custom-fitted to a patient's upper or lower teeth. It is primarily used to address issues related to teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The splint is designed to fit over the teeth, creating a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding and clenching during sleep. Occlusal splints aim to reduce the impact of bruxism on the teeth and jaw, alleviate associated pain, protect the teeth from wear, and promote relaxation of the jaw muscles.
Adiyaman Universty
Adıyaman, Turkey (Türkiye)
Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale
The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale is a pain assessment tool that uses a series of faces to help individuals, especially children, express the intensity of their pain. It consists of a line of faces ranging from a smiling face (indicating "no pain") to a face with a distressed expression (indicating "worst pain"). The person is asked to point to the face that best represents their level of pain, allowing healthcare providers to assess and understand the individual's pain experience, particularly in cases where verbal communication may be challenging.
Time frame: Applied before, 1 week after, and 5 weeks after the treatment
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For patients with bruxism, exercises can be beneficial in managing symptoms and promoting relaxation of the jaw muscles. These exercises aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of bruxism, alleviate associated pain, and improve overall jaw function and comfort. It's important for patients to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate exercises for their individual needs.