Objective: Bruxism is a repetitive masticatory muscle activity. This study investigates dental practitioners' approaches to bruxism assessment and treatment in practices.
Methods: A brief 5 question questionnaire ("Quick Poll") on bruxism was conducted.
Results: A total of 397 practitioners responded. More than half (55%) initiated treatment for bruxism on one to three patients per month. The majority believed that stress (97%) and sleep patterns (82%) affected bruxism in their patients. Interestingly, 96% offered an occlusal guard/appliance and 46% made occlusal adjustments.
Conclusion: This study highlights inconsistencies in practitioner approaches to bruxism assessment and management in clinical settings, suggesting gaps in practitioner knowledge evidenced by the varied responses.
Abbreviations: PBRN - Practice-Based Research NetworkMMA - Masticatory muscle activitySB - Sleep bruxismAB - Awake bruxismTMJ - Temporomandibular jointOSA - Obstructive sleep apnea.
Keywords: Approaches; Behavior; Bruxism; Sleep; Treatment.