Influence of bruxism and splint therapy on tongue pressure against teeth.

OBJECTIVES

This study estimated the maximum tongue pressure (MTP) against teeth in bruxers, and verified the effect of a stabilization splint.

METHOD: Forty subjects (mean age: 26.57 years) were assigned to two groups (n520): bruxers and nonbruxers. Sleep bruxism was diagnosed by self-report, presence of tooth wear and tongue indentation, and by using a BiteStrip2 device. Maximum tongue pressure was measured by intraoral appliances containing pressure sensors. After baseline evaluation, bruxers received a stabilization splint and non-bruxers received a palatal splint, both for nocturnal use. Maximum tongue pressure was reassessed after 30 and 60 days. Data were submitted to repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey test (Pv0.05).

RESULTS

Bruxers showed an increased MTP against teeth (Pv0.05). Splint therapy decreased MTP for bruxers and non-bruxers.

DISCUSSION: Bruxers present tongue indentations or ulcerations; however, there is no evidence on their MTP. Further research should focus on therapies to avoid tongue ulcerations in bruxers.