From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for bruxism is a combination of augmented cognitive behavioural therapy, jaw mobilisation, jaw exercise, and jaw stretching, as these interventions have been shown to provide significant benefits in pain relief and function with minimal harm or burden 1. When considering treatment options for bruxism, it's essential to prioritize interventions that address the underlying causes of the condition, such as stress, anxiety, and jaw muscle tension.
- Augmented cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a strong recommendation, as it can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to bruxism 1.
- Jaw mobilisation, jaw exercise, and jaw stretching are also recommended, as they can help relax the jaw muscles and improve range of motion 1.
- Trigger point therapy and postural exercise may also be beneficial in reducing pain and improving function 1. It's crucial to note that some interventions, such as reversible occlusal splints, arthrocentesis, and botulinum toxin injection, have conditional recommendations against them due to limited evidence or potential harms 1. In terms of lifestyle modifications, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, maintaining regular sleep schedules, and avoiding chewing gum or hard foods that strain jaw muscles can help alleviate bruxism symptoms. Overall, a multi-faceted approach that incorporates stress reduction techniques, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications is likely to provide the best outcomes for individuals with bruxism, with a focus on minimizing harm and burden while maximizing benefits in pain relief and function 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Bruxism
- Various treatments are available for bruxism, including drug therapy, intramuscular injections, physiotherapy, biofeedback, kinesiotherapy, use of intraoral devices, and psychological therapy 2
- Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of bruxism episodes, decreasing pain levels, and maximum occlusal force generated by this pathology 3
- Interdisciplinary treatment involving an occlusal splint and cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be more effective in achieving muscle relaxation than occlusal splint use alone 4
- Current management of sleep bruxism is usually directed toward tooth/restoration protection, reduction of bruxism activity, and pain relief, with no effective treatment available to "cure" or "stop" it permanently 5
Efficacy of Different Treatments
- BTX-A injections have been found to offer superior efficacy in the treatment of bruxism compared to control groups who were treated with placebo or traditional methods 3
- Occlusal splints can help protect the hard tooth substance and preserve the denture, while relaxation exercises and specialized physiotherapy can improve bruxism symptoms 6
- Botulinum toxin treatment has been found to reduce subjective complaints during the period of action 6