Polysomnographic characteristics in patients with bruxism

Abstract

Sleep bruxism is an unusual orofacial movement described as a parafunction in dentistry and a parasomnia in sleep medicine. The observation of patients reveals that there is an association between awakening and bruxism, and that a change in the macro and/or the microstructure of sleep may precede the parafunction. Various polysomnographic examinations have identified and characterized bruxism, relating it with alterations associated with sleep disorders. The articles reviewed demonstrate the association between sleep bruxism and waking up from sleep, and also reveal that it is an exaggerated and involuntary motor activity. The literature shows the importance of the diagnosis of bruxism by polysomnographic examination. and of the relationships with other disorders that occur during sleep. Key words: Sleep bruxism. Polysomnography. Sleep disorders.