Bruxism: Neurological Causes and Dental Consequences

Bruxism, which describes the repetitive grinding or clenching of the teeth, poses difficulties and problems in the neurological and maxillofacial fields. It is more commonly known as a dental ailment, which has been associated with stress or incorrectly aligned teeth. However, recent evidence indicates that bruxism has neurologic roots relating to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, sleep disorders, and dopamine dysfunction. This review aims at reviewing the neurological origin of bruxism, with emphasis on central nervous system disturbances in the occurrence of its manifestation. It also looks at the dental effects which include abrasion, dental erosion, dental cracks, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. To inform this systematic review, we searched PubMed for articles addressing neurophysiological processes associated with bruxism and the effects of neurological diseases on bruxism activity and progression. Studies indicate that bruxism is related to altered dopamine and motor circuits in the brain, particularly in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) users. From the dental point of view, bruxism can be responsible for debilitating outcomes, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and tooth loss which require complex restorative treatments. These results stress the importance of using interdisciplinary approaches that include both dental and neurological expertise. Dentists and neurologists should collaborate together to address both the underlying causes and the oral consequences of bruxism. Further studies should explore the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and their clinical implications for long-term management and treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bruxism ، Neurology ، Dopamine ، Temporomandibular Disorders ، Sleep Disorders