Assessment of the pain, stress and emotional factor related to the occurrence of bruxism

Budima Pejkovska-Shahpaska

doi:10.2478/bjdm-2019-0026

Abstract

Background/Aim: Bruxism is a parafunctional habit that has multiple etiology. Globally it is a widespread problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of pain, stress and to understand the emotional factor and their relations to the occurrence of bruxism. Material and Methods: For the purpose of this paper, 40 patients with partial edentuloissness and bruxism were treated prosthetically and with night dentures. They were assessed for the degree of the pain they feel and were given questionnaires for the level of stress they feel and for their psychological situation. The control group consisted of 40 patients who were not treated but were diagnosed with the same methods like the previous group. Results: Patient feel pain from the consequences of bruxism, disregarding the statistical significance related to gender. Stress pays a major role as we live in a dynamic and demanding society. The more competitive and ambitious the person is the more there are possibilities for occurrence of bruxism. Emotions are a very complex matter that unconsciously can be connected to the presence of bruxism. Conclusions: Besides prosthetic rehabilitation, sometimes a multidisciplinary approach is needed. Dentists should be aware of their role as psychiatrist and need to be educated of the principles of a patient's analysis and of the cognitive behavioral therapy.

Highlights

In the dictionary of prosthetic terms, bruxism is defined as an unconscious oral habit of rhythmically dysfunctional pressing, squeezing, and clenching with the teeth while performing movements that are not part of the function of mastication
Bruxism can occur in 6-20% of the population, at any age starting from the eruption of the deciduous teeth[1]
This dysfunctional habit is characterized by varying intensity and periodic repetition. This condition tends to decrease with age, while it is generally perceived to have a high prevalence in the general population[2]

Summary

Introduction

In the dictionary of prosthetic terms, bruxism is defined as an unconscious oral habit of rhythmically dysfunctional pressing, squeezing, and clenching with the teeth while performing movements that are not part of the function of mastication. These actions can lead to occlusal trauma. Bruxism is a common phenomenon in our population manifested by grinding and clenching of the teeth. This dysfunctional habit is characterized by varying intensity and periodic repetition. This condition tends to decrease with age, while it is generally perceived to have a high prevalence in the general population[2]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion