In some cases, the patient
is suffering from Obstruc-
tive Sleep Apnea, (OSA). OSA
should be managed by a phy-
sician. Yet in other patients,
subtle respiratory abnormal-
ities can trigger Bruxism as
seen below which is an exam-
ple of Respiratory Effort Relat-
ed Arousals. (RERA).
There is a relationship be-
tween parafunctional activity\
bruxism and airway function.
Based on the image below
it would be difficult to help
this patient with severe tooth
wear without addressing the
underlying airway issue.
Airway issues such as Upper
Airway Resistance Syndrome,
(UARS) RERA are primary
triggers of bruxism leading
to tooth wear. Knowing the
triggers improves the clinical
outcome and precisely directs
the treatment most likely to
succeed. The key compo-
nent for treatment success is
identifying those triggers and
managing them from the den-
tal chair when appropriate,
and bringing in your medical
team when indicated.
The primary objective of this
article is to imbue on the
reader the confidence these
issues can be effectively man-
aged with an efficient diag-
nostic protocol and effective
training. Bruxism and Para-
function are NOT hopeless and
when properly managed can
lead to improved care of your
patients and a sense of satis-
faction you are contributing
their overall health and well-
being.
JEFF WYSCARVER,
RPSGT
Jeff Wyscarver, RPSGT.,
is the President of DDME
for the 7 years and has
been actively developing
products for dentists to
manage airway related
parafunction and brux-
ism.