Effect of Low-Level Laser Acupuncture and Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation on Gag Reflex in Children During Dental Impression: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Background: Dental impressions are crucial in pediatric dentistry, but exaggerated gagging can obstruct this process. Various methods have been proposed to manage the gag reflex (GR).

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture in controlling children's GR.

Design: A three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted with 63 patients aged 6-9, with excessive GR, scheduled for dental impressions. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: low-level laser (n = 21), microcurrent stimulation with a Meridian pen (n = 21), and a control group with a deactivated pen (n = 21). Gag preventive index (GPI) was taken, and dental anxiety was assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), pulse rate (PR), and blood oxygen saturation (SaO₂). Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: All interventions influenced GPI scores. The Meridian pen and laser groups achieved better GPI scores (p < 0.001) than the control group. FIS scores between the Meridian pen and laser groups were comparable, differing significantly from the control group (p < 0.001). The Meridian pen and laser groups showed greater reductions in PR (p < 0.001) and higher SaO₂ post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The Meridian pen and laser outperformed the control group, demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing physiological and subjective measures.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06422286.