Sleep bruxism: Therapeutic possibilities based in evidences

Eduardo MACHADO, Patricia MACHADO, Paulo Afonso CUNALI, Cibele DAL FABBRO

Introduction: Sleep bruxism (SB) is defined as a stereotyped and periodic movement disorder, characterized by tooth grinding and/or clenching occurring during sleep, associated with rhythmic masticatory muscle activity. This condition isn?t a disease, but when exacerbated may cause an unbalance and changing of orofacial structures. Thus, it is necessary to obtain effective and safe treatments for the control and management of the bruxist patient. The treatment alternatives range from oral devices, pharmacological therapies to cognitive-behavioral techniques. Objective: This study, a systematic literature review having as research bases MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, Pubmed, Lilacs and BBO, between the years of 1990 and 2008, with focus in randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, had as objective to analyze and discuss possibilities of treatment for sleep bruxism. Results: According to the literature analysis there is a lot of treatment options for the SB, but many of the therapies have no scientific support. Thus, the choice therapy should be based on scientific evidences and in clinical common sense, for an improvement in quality of life of the bruxist patient.

Keywords: Sleep bruxism. Treatment. Oral devices. Drugs. Behavior-cognitive.

Friday, December 27, 2024 13:07