Page 18 - Portuguese Journal - SPORL - Vol 61. Nº1

teeth or hypertrophy of the masticatory epilepsy; and gastroesophageal reflux disease
muscles Bruxism is often asymptomatic (because the stimulation of intraesophageal
.2
and becomes clinically significant when acid can induce rhythmic masticatory muscle
it interferes with sleep or results in dental activity during sleep and masseter muscle
erosion, headaches, jaw muscle pain and/or activity when awake). In fact, several authors
3
fatigue, and rigidity or difficulty in opening the have suggested that OSAS is the main risk
jaw upon waking up. Its main complications factor for bruxism. In addition, the treatment
3
are the risk of developing symptoms due to of sleep apnea with continuous positive airway
temporomandibular changes (muscle and pressure (CPAP) in adults has been shown to
joint pain), muscle hypertrophy, dental erosion improve bruxism. 4,5
and fractures, and even teeth loss. 3 In children, hypertrophy of the palatine
The main risk factors for bruxism are: sleep tonsils and adenoids is the main cause of
disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea OSAS ; therefore, several studies have been
6
syndrome (OSAS) or parasomnia; abnormal conducted to compare the prevalence of
dental occlusion; psychiatric disturbances; bruxism before and after tonsil and adenoid
neurologic diseases such as cerebral palsy or removal surgery.

Figure 1
Administered questionnaire

18 Portuguese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery