Bruxism's possible connection to sleep apnea: known for decades, but still mostly ignored
Time: 10:30 AM, February 22, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Jamison Spencer
Synopsis:
For decades we have blamed grinding and clenching of the teeth on 1. Stress and 2. Malocclusion. While certainly emotional stress and occlusal factors can play a role in the etiology of bruxism, for many patients obstructive airway issues are a major driving factor.
In this presentation Dr. Spencer will take the audience on an evidence based journey, and makes a strong case that the so called "parafunction" that wreaks havoc on our patient's teeth and on our best restorations may actually be"protective" in nature. This understanding may help with the diagnosis and actual treatment of the true underlying etiology of the bruxism.
Learning Objectives:
1. Review the literature regarding possible connections between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea.
2. Discuss use of night guards and oral appliances for sleep apnea and their effects on bruxism muscle activity.
3. How to screen your patients for possible sleep apnea related bruxism, and when to refer for a sleep evaluation.
