Linking Airway to Wear, Bruxism, TMD and Periodontal Disease

Monday Session

Program Track: Treatment of Inflammatory Periodontal Diseases
Moderator: Georgia K. Johnson
Speaker: Jeffery S. Rouse

This presentation provides a review of the current scientific literature on sleep disturbances, and their impact on tooth wear and oral muscle pain. The popular opinion that malocclusion promotes bruxism appears to be incorrect; airway disturbances during sleep seems to be the link. Upper airway resistance has been linked to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), chronic fatigue and bruxism. Obstructive sleep apnea-related bruxers will be classically more damaging to their teeth and have greater health risks, including periodontal disease. The Bruxism Triad - sleep bruxism, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and apnea - will be explored.