Bruxism: Recognizing of Overlooked Contributing Factor in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (A Case Report)

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to describe bruxism as the contributing the factor of RAS that needed an interdisciplinary treatment approach to achieve successful treatment. Methods: A 46-year-old male came to the Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hasanuddin with the complaints of mouth ulcers for 2 weeks since it was bitten while he was sleeping. These complaints often recur in the same area since about 10 years ago. He had seen the dentist several times, but there was no improvement. Clinical examination revealed two yellowish irregular ulcers accompanied with tooth indentation on the right lateral of the tongue and lower labial mucosa. We detected bruxism from the patient history, clinical examination, and questionnaire evaluation. We assumed that bruxism was the main contributing factor in this case. The management of oral ulcers included tooth grinding and prescribing Doxycycline oral rinses 100 mg three times a day. The patient was also referred to prosthodontists and psychologists for management of bruxism. Results: The patient felt complete improvement since routinely using a mouthguard and coping with his anxiety. Conclusion: Bruxism can play a role as a contributing factor in RAS. Recognizing and managing parafunctional habits is very important to achieve successful treatment in this case.