Bruxismo infantil : estudo de caso.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the main causes of bruxism in the case studied and determine the most appropriate treatment. The bruxism can be defined as a parafunctional activity, it having as characteristic non-functional movements which the individual grinds or clenches his or her teeth. It can happens on two ways: sleep bruxism and bruxism of wakefulness. Case report: 9 years old patient, male, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) since two years ago, thus he makes daily use of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. The patient presented clinical characteristics compatible with bruxism, which are the tooth wear on the anterior permanent and posterior deciduous teeth. He reported painful symptoms in masticatory muscles and recurrent headaches. The proposed treatment has based on making an inter-occlusal device, also the creation of guidelines about the bruxism and the sleep hygiene, as well as psychological counseling. Final considerations: The bruxism has a multifactorial origin. On children, it has been a recurrent condition, which might develop irreversible consequences, these with damage in deciduous and permanent dentition. The early detection of the signs and symptoms is very important to apply the proper treatment that in order to achieve better results.