Bruxism and masticatory pattern: an understudied relationship

Abstract

Bruxism as a pathophysiological entity, both day and night bruxism, has been the subject of innumerable investigations. Among the probable causes that have been raised are biochemical alterations in the central and/or peripheral nervous system, which can be seen reflected in an alteration of the rhythmic movements of the masticatory musculature of the stomatognathic system. On the other hand, chewing is recognized as one of the main functions of the stomatognathic system, responsible for maxillofacial growth and determining a rhythm in the movements of the masticatory musculature, depending in turn on a functional demand of the individual, in other words, the type of food consumed and the way to process it in the mouth. Objective: To determine the existence of a relationship between bruxism and the type of masticatory pattern installed in the patient. Methodology: Functional examinations and application of Fonseca questionnaires and bruxism self-report were performed in 27 adult patients, without distinction of sex, who have been diagnosed with possible and probable bruxism. Results: 100 % of the sample of subjects diagnosed with bruxism presented an altered masticatory pattern. Conclusions: The high correlation found in the sample between bruxism and masticatory pattern suggests that it is vital for the success of a bruxism treatment or a DTM to consider the way of processing food, by educating the patient with Masticatory Orientation. Based on the above, it proposes to conduct a study to evaluate the efficiency of a functional treatment for future Bruxism therapies.