Potential Methods for Alleviating Symptoms of Bruxism

Abstract

Bruxism is a condition characterized by excessive grinding and clenching of teeth especially during sleep, but symptoms can also occur during the day. Bruxism causes fatigue, feelings of sleeplessness, increased muscle tension and pain in the chewing muscle area. Despite its high prevalence in the adult population (it is believed to occur in up to one-third of people), we do not know the exact path of mechanism behind the disease, and treatment methods are not clearly defined. Treatment methods used include drug therapies, biofeedback, kinesitherapy, physiotherapy, intramuscular and intra-articular injections, psychological therapy, and treatment with intraoral devices. In addition, the exact diagnostic pathway and the way how to classify the severity of bruxism symptoms have not been determined. There is still no answer to the question of what procedure to introduce in a patient who is experiencing symptoms of bruxism despite full dental rehabilitation. The age at which treatment should begin also remains unclear. Further research is needed on the etiology of bruxism, as well as the development of uniform recommendations for diagnosis and therapy.