Bruxismo Secundário em crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus: Terapêutica e Eficácia da Aromaterapia-um estudo piloto

Resumo (EN)

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic approach and effectiveness of aromatherapy in secondary bruxism in children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZVS) in a double-blind randomized clinical trial: a pilot study. Nineteen children from the Association of Angel Families in Alagoas state were selected. They, along with their legal guardians, received an informed consent form (ICF) to sign and guidance on the risks and benefits of the study, with the freedom to withdraw at any time. To assess bruxism and related factors, the study used the following questionnaires: the validated Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), the Serra-Negra et al. questionnaire, and a clinical examination observing abnormal dental wear. Before the start and after the completion of the experiment, salivary cortisol analysis, a stress biomarker, was performed using Eletrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed therapy on bruxism. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (IG), which received essential oils, and the placebo group (PG), which received a placebo. Both groups were instructed to apply the oils topically to the masseter, temporal, and cervical muscles twice daily for sixty days. The statistical analyses using Fisher's Exact Test, McNemar Test, Wilcoxon Test, and Mann-Whitney Test, in addition to the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality tests, were used to describe and compare the exploratory variables obtained from the experimental groups through the Serra-Negra et al. questionnaire, the validated OBC questionnaire, and the satisfaction degree questionnaire. Salivary cortisol levels were measured at two distinct times (1 and 2), and the results were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn’s test. For all analyses, the significance level was set at 5%. The results included 19 participants, with an average age of 7.1 years in the PG and 6.67 years in the IG. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding salivary cortisol levels before and after the proposed therapy. Regarding the variables related to the applied questionnaires, only the act of drooling and/or sleeping with an open mouth was statistically different (p<0.001), indicating a potential influence of aromatherapy on bruxism (p<0,035). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding salivary cortisol levels before and after the proposed therapy. Additionally, within the satisfaction assessment, the caregivers felt very satisfied with the care received. As a pilot study with a small sample size, which represents a limiting factor, future studies with representative samples are suggested to understand better the therapy and effectiveness of aromatherapy in secondary bruxism in children with syndromes.