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Effect of Low-level LASER Therapy on P6 Acupoint to Control Gag Reflex in Children: A Clinical Trial
Himani Goel1, Shivani Mathur1, Meera Sandhu1
1Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, ITS Dental College, Ghaziabad, India.
Insights
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) effectively reduced gag reflex and anxiety in children. LLLT on the PC6 acupuncture point normalized pulse rates and oxygen saturation, indicating a calming effect.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
- Laser Therapy Applications
Background:
- Hyperactive gag reflex is a common issue in pediatric dental patients.
- Anxiety often accompanies dental procedures, exacerbating gag reflexes.
- Traditional methods for gag reflex and anxiety management have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the PC6 acupuncture point.
- To assess LLLT's impact on suppressing gag reflex.
- To determine LLLT's effect on regulating physiological markers of anxiety, such as pulse rate and oxygen saturation.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 40 pediatric patients (4-14 years) with hyperactive gag reflex.
- Intervention group received LLLT on the PC6 acupuncture point before maxillary impression.
- Control group had a reversed procedure; gag reflex, anxiety, pulse, and oxygen saturation were measured.
Main Results:
- LLLT at the PC6 acupuncture point significantly decreased gag reflex.
- Patients exhibited normalized pulse rates and increased oxygen saturation levels post-LLLT.
- These physiological changes indicated a significant reduction in anxiety levels.
Conclusions:
- LLLT applied to the PC6 acupuncture point is a safe and effective method for managing gag reflex in children.
- LLLT demonstrates anxiolytic effects, evidenced by improved physiological parameters.
- This therapy offers a promising non-invasive approach to reduce anxiety and gagging during dental procedures.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on PC6 acupuncture point in suppressing gag reflex, regulating pulse rates and oxygen saturation, thereby reducing the anxiety levels.
Materials And Method:
A total of 40 patients who demonstrated hyperactive gag reflex in the age group of 4-14 years were included in the study. In Group A (20 patients), maxillary impression was recorded. In the second step, PC6 acupuncture point was stimulated with LLLT followed by recording of second maxillary impression. In group B (20 patients), steps were reversed. Gag reflex, anxiety levels, pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels were assessed.
Results:
Values of pulse rate and oxygen saturation were regulated to normal, signifying lowered anxiety levels. Gag reflex was also significantly decreased after stimulating PC6 acupuncture point with LLLT.
Conclusion:
LLLT on PC6 point was found to be effective in lowering anxiety levels as observed by faces modified anxiety rating scale. Further, it was authenticated as the pulse rates were significantly reduced and oxygen saturation levels were significantly increased. Also, gag reflex was significantly controlled when LASER stimulation was done at PC6.