Presenter
Dr Damian Teo
Learning Objectives
- Become aware of common signs/symptoms of bruxism in children and adults
- Learn the relationship between bruxism and sleep medicine
- Learn appropriate screening, and management options for bruxism, beyond traditional michigan splint therapy.
Bruxism is traditionally considered an oral parafunction characterized by involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth. Although this definition describes the main characteristics of the disorder, it lacks a substantial and important distinction between the wake and sleep states in which this oral parafunction may occur. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine classified sleep bruxism as a "sleep related movement disorder" in 2005, however to this day, many dentists don't know this, and thus, don't manage bruxism appropriately. An interdisciplinary collaboration between medical doctors and dentists is important when investigating this overlapping medical AND dental condition.