Bruxism: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry and Oral Health
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Parafunctional activities, including lip/cheek chewing and nail biting, involve the stomatognathic system.
• Bruxism, characterized by teeth clenching or grinding, is classified as awake or sleep bruxism.
• Faulty occlusion is a primary cause of bruxism, often leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on bruxism since its initial description.
• To highlight the relationship between sleep bruxism and associated symptoms like jaw pain.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on bruxism.
• Analysis of descriptions and classifications of bruxism.
• Examination of etiological factors and consequences of bruxism.

Main Results:

• Sleep bruxism patients report higher incidences of jaw pain and limited movement compared to non-sufferers.
• Faulty occlusion is identified as a significant contributor to bruxism and subsequent temporomandibular joint pain.
• Bruxism has been variably described across different studies and authors.

Conclusions:

• Bruxism, particularly sleep bruxism, presents significant clinical challenges including pain and restricted movement.
• Understanding the diverse descriptions and causes of bruxism is crucial for effective management.
• Further research into the etiology and treatment of bruxism is warranted.