Efficacy of the nocturnal bite plate in the control of bruxism for 3 to 5 year old children
Hachmann, A.; Martins, E.A.; Araujo, F.B.; Nunes, R.
Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry 24(1): 9-15
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1053-4628 PMID: 10709536 Document Number: 507237
Bruxism occurs in nearly 60% of children between 3 and 5 years, with important repercussions to the different components of the stomatognathic system. Nevertheless, there is little information in the literature about this topic. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of children with bruxism. One group was not submitted to treatment, serving as a control. To the other group, nocturnal bite plate was made. Cast models were made for both groups, to evaluate the progression of wear facets, during 8 months. The results are as follows: The 4 children of the control group displayed increased wear facets during the study period. On the other hand, of the 5 children that used nocturnal bite plate, showed no increase of wear facets, even after the removal of the device. From this study, we can conclude that the use of nocturnal bite plate is efficient against bruxism in 3- to 5-year-old children.