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Treatment approaches to bruxism
B A Thompson1, B W Blount, T S Krumholz
1Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
American Family Physician
|May 15, 1994
Summary
Bruxism, the grinding and clenching of teeth, affects many children and adults. Its causes are unclear, but it presents with symptoms like tooth wear and jaw pain, requiring various management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Bruxism, teeth grinding and clenching, affects 15% of children and up to 96% of adults.
- The exact causes of bruxism remain unclear, though associations exist with stress, sleep positioning, and occlusal disorders.
- Bruxism can be challenging to diagnose due to its nonspecific pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, etiology, signs, and management of bruxism.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and common symptoms associated with bruxism.
- To outline treatment approaches for pediatric and adult bruxism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of bruxism.
- Analysis of diagnostic signs and symptoms.
- Summary of current management strategies for different age groups.
Main Results:
- Bruxism presents with symptoms such as masticatory pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, wear, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Signs include tooth wear, mobility, and tenderness or hypertrophy of masticatory muscles.
- Management varies from observation in children to stress reduction, physical therapy, and dental evaluation in adults.
Conclusions:
- Bruxism is a common condition with diverse potential causes and manifestations.
- Early recognition of signs and symptoms is crucial for effective management.
- A multidisciplinary approach, including dental referral when necessary, is often required for optimal outcomes in adult bruxism.