The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of an occlusal splint on postural balance considering the occlusal splint as a device for treating temporomandibular joint disorder. A randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial was conducted. The research group consisted of 49 patients (36 as test group and 13 as control group) between 18 and 75 years old, both genders, diagnosed as temporomandibular disorder by Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joints. Test group was treated with orientations for physiotherapeutic exercises and occlusal splint, whereas control group received orientation for physiotherapeutic exercises only. Postural equilibrium was evaluated by means of a force plate. After 12 weeks, the groups were re‐evaluated. Patients from both groups presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes closed, test group ( P < 0.001) and control group ( P = 0.046). Only patients of the test group presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes opened ( P = 0.023). We concluded that the use of occlusal splint affected the postural balance.

Idiopathic facial paralysis, also known as Bell’s palsy, exerts a negative effect on the quality of life. Although the prognosis is good in the majority of cases, a significant percentage of affected individuals may have sequelae that can negatively affect their lives. The use of therapeutic measures as early as possible can improve the prognosis. This article describes the successful use of laser-photobiomodulation as a single therapy in a patient with Bell’s palsy and confirms the possibility of using this therapeutic modality as a good choice, since it is a therapy that is painless, comfortable, and without systemic side effects. The findings demonstrate that the adequate use of laser-photobiomodulation can be an effective therapeutic option for patients with Bell’s palsy, regardless of the age, shortening the recovery time obtained with conventional therapies and avoiding sequelae. Further studies are needed for the establishment of adequate protocols.

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) belongs to a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint complex, musculature and adjacent components. These conditions can generate signs and symptoms and be influenced by an altered biopsychosocial condition. Objective: This study aims to seek information to assist the patient in the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and Orofacial Pain, associated with the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: For the preparation of this manual, a bibliographic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, using the keywords: orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, stress, anxiety, biopsychosocial, diagnosis, self-care with important information on how to reduce and control the signs and symptoms of TMD and Orofacial Pain in this moment of pandemic that we are experiencing a social detachment. Results: The results show that the pandemic of COVID-19 and the need for social isolation, generates psychological impact that raises the pattern of anxiety and can directly affect patients with bruxism and TMD. Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with the pandemic can lead to an increased risk of developing, worsening and perpetuating bruxism, especially waking bruxism and TMD, so dentists should be aware of the occurrence of signs and symptoms to manage the multifactorial aspects of this condition. At that time, individual self-management strategies are advised for the patient, which consist of self-massage techniques, body education, exercise practices, sleep hygiene, meditation and making available the use of tools and online devices that facilitate this activity.KeywordsOrofacial pain; Temporomandibular disorders; Bruxism; Stress; Anxiety; Biopsychosocial; Diagnosis; Self-care; COVID-19.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Trigeminal Neuralgia causes intense suffering and impaired quality of life. The diagnosis is clinical. Thermography has been proven to be a useful tool, both for confirming and monitoring this neuralgia. Photobiomodulation is being increasingly well documented, specially when associated with the first-choice therapy, which is pharmacotherapy. In this case report, the objective was to investigate the performance of the laser, associated with anticonvulsants, in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia, considering its results from a clinical and thermographic point of view. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 62 years old, presenting idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, diagnosed 4 years before, being controlled with oxcarbazepine (600mg), divided in 2 daily doses, being the dose doubled in the last year. In the last 4 months, the symptoms worsened with the increase in the drug dosage, generating side effects not supported by the patient. Photobiomodulation was proposed as a complementary treatment, with infrared thermography being performed before and after treatment. After the low-intensity laser therapy protocol, there was a significant improvement, demonstrated both by the patients report and the thermography, maintaining this result in the 6-month control. The dosage was reduced to 300 mg/day, restoring quality of life. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity infrared laser photobiomodulation can be extremely useful when associated with an appropriate drug in the control of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, both in the immediate and medium-term outcome.

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