Bruxism

Abstract

This paper review of bruxism phenomenon that refers to the grainding or cleanching of the teeth during awake or night sleep. The prevalence of bruxism decreases with age from 14% to 18% in childhood, 8% of adult population and 3% in the eldery. According to the existing literature, two groups of proposed etiological factors can be distinguished: peripheral (morphological) and central (pathophysiological and pshychological). At present, the bruxism is more often thought to be regulated centrally, not peripherally. Signs and symptoms of bruxism such as tooth wear/dental attrision, abfractions, orofacial pain, change of periodontal ligament, mobility, tooth sensitivity, fractured teeth and fillings, earache, headache, tightness of jaw muscle, chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek, impact on yhe esthetic appearance of a smile. There have been many clinical approaches to the treatment of bruxism. These can be categorized as acute, preventive and chronic management of bruxism, based on patien's signs and symptoms. In the case of acute symptomps with patient's experiencing pain, pharmacotherapeutics may be required. Meanwhile, if tooth wear is present an occlusal splint and stress management are recommended. Dentists and health professionals should be aware of the phenomenon of bruxism.

Key words : bruxism, signs and symptoms, etiology, occlusal splint/night guard.
Author : Sri Wendari A. Hartono, Nunung Rusminah, Aprillia Adenan.