Introduction
Bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible
- It is an oral parafunctional activity (unrelated to normal function such as eating or talking)
Classification
- Nocturnal bruxism
- Awake bruxism
Aetiology
- Psychosocial factors
- Genetic factors
- Medications
- Occlusal factors
Clinical features
- Hypersensitive teeth
- Aching jaw muscles
- Headaches
- Tooth wear
- Damage to dental restorations (e.g. crowns and fillings) to teeth
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria
ICSD-R diagnostic criteria (for sleep bruxism)
- Minimal criteria (include both):
- Symptom of tooth-grinding or tooth-clenching during sleep, and
- One or more of the following:
- Abnormal tooth wear
- Grinding sounds
- Discomfort of the jaw muscles
- Supporting criteria:
- Polysomnography shows both:
- Activity of jaw muscles during sleep
- No associated epileptic activity
- No other medical or mental disorders (e.g., sleep-related epilepsy, which may cause abnormal movement during sleep).
- The presence of other sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea syndrome)
- Polysomnography shows both:
Management
Summary
