Night Guards for Bruxism: A Complete Dental Guide for Symptom Prevention and Control

Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth, often without noticing it. It usually happens during sleep but can also occur while awake. Many people are surprised to learn that night guards do not treat bruxism itself.

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Instead, they are designed to protect the teeth and jaw from the damage caused by bruxism. This guide explains, in simple terms, how night guards work, what they can and cannot do, and why they are an important part of symptom control—not a cure.

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✅ What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a repetitive jaw activity involving tooth grinding or clenching. It is now understood as a condition related to the brain and nervous system, not a problem caused by how the teeth fit together.

Common factors linked to bruxism include:
▪️ Stress and emotional tension
▪️ Sleep disturbances
▪️ Anxiety or concentration habits
▪️ Certain medications
Because bruxism starts in the brain, there is no device that can completely stop it.

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✅ What Are Night Guards and How Do They Work?
Night guards (also called occlusal splints) are removable dental appliances worn during sleep. They are usually made of acrylic or flexible materials and are custom-made by a dentist.

Their main function is to:
▪️ Create a protective barrier between the teeth
▪️ Reduce pressure on teeth and jaw joints
▪️ Limit muscle overload during clenching
It is important to understand that night guards do not eliminate bruxism. They simply contain its harmful effects.

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✅ What Night Guards Can and Cannot Do

What They Can Do
▪️ Protect teeth from excessive wear
▪️ Lower the risk of tooth fractures
▪️ Reduce jaw muscle discomfort
▪️ Help prevent damage to dental restorations

What They Cannot Do
▪️ Stop tooth grinding
▪️ Treat the neurological cause of bruxism
▪️ Replace stress or sleep management
This distinction is essential for setting realistic expectations.

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💬 Discussion
Night guards are often misunderstood as a treatment for bruxism. Scientific evidence shows that they act as protective tools, not curative solutions. Their value lies in preventing long-term damage, especially to teeth, muscles, and jaw joints. For best results, night guards should be used as part of a broader approach, which may include stress reduction, sleep improvement, and regular dental follow-up.

✍️ Conclusion
Night guards play a crucial role in protecting oral structures from the consequences of bruxism, but they do not cure the condition. When patients understand their real purpose, night guards become a safe and effective way to control symptoms and preserve oral health over time.

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🎯 Recommendations
▪️ Use night guards as a protective measure, not as a cure.
▪️ Have the appliance custom-made and regularly checked by a dentist.
▪️ Address contributing factors such as stress and poor sleep quality.
▪️ Seek professional advice if symptoms worsen or persist.
▪️ Maintain routine dental visits to monitor wear and jaw health.

📊 Comparative Table: Consequences of Bruxism and Their Impact on Oral Health

Bruxism Consequence	Main Effect on Oral Health	Potential Long-Term Outcome
Tooth wear	Gradual loss of enamel	Tooth sensitivity and structural damage
Tooth fractures	Cracks or broken teeth	Need for crowns or root canal treatment
Jaw muscle pain	Muscle fatigue and soreness	Chronic facial discomfort
Jaw joint stress	Overload of the temporomandibular joint	Joint pain and limited jaw movement

📚 References

✔ American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). International classification of sleep disorders (3rd ed.). Darien, IL: AASM.
✔ Lobbezoo, F., Ahlberg, J., Raphael, K. G., et al. (2013). International consensus on the assessment of bruxism. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 40(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12021
✔ Manfredini, D., & Lobbezoo, F. (2010). Relationship between bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 37(6), 413–419. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02065.x
✔ Shetty, S., Pitti, V., Babu, C. L., Kumar, G. S., & Deepthi, B. C. (2010). Bruxism: A literature review. Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, 10(3), 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13191-011-0041-5

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Antibiotic Stewardship in Pediatric Dentistry: ADA and CDC Clinical Recommendations

Antibiotic stewardship has become a critical component of modern pediatric dental practice due to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In children, inappropriate antibiotic use is associated with adverse drug reactions, microbiome disruption, and increased resistance rates.

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According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a significant proportion of dental antibiotic prescriptions are either unnecessary or not aligned with current evidence-based indications.

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This article reviews updated ADA and CDC recommendations for antibiotic stewardship in pediatric dentistry, emphasizing rational prescribing, clinical decision-making, and patient safety.

✅ Rationale for Antibiotic Stewardship in Pediatric Dentistry
Antibiotics should not substitute for definitive dental treatment. Most odontogenic infections in children are localized and can be effectively managed through operative interventions such as pulpotomy, pulpectomy, incision and drainage, or extraction. The ADA and CDC stress that systemic antibiotics are rarely indicated in the absence of systemic involvement, such as fever, facial cellulitis, or lymphadenopathy.

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✅ ADA and CDC Clinical Guidelines

Indications for Antibiotic Use
The ADA and CDC recommend antibiotic therapy in pediatric dental patients only when:
▪️ There is systemic involvement (fever, malaise).
▪️ Evidence of spreading infection (cellulitis, deep space infection).
▪️ The child is immunocompromised or medically complex.

Situations Where Antibiotics Are Not Recommended
Antibiotics are not indicated for:
▪️ Irreversible pulpitis without systemic signs.
▪️ Localized dental abscess with adequate drainage.
▪️ Pain management in the absence of infection.

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✅ Commonly Recommended Antibiotics
When antibiotics are justified, amoxicillin remains the first-line agent due to its efficacy, safety profile, and narrow spectrum. In cases of penicillin allergy, alternatives such as clindamycin or azithromycin may be considered, although increasing resistance patterns warrant cautious use.

💬 Discussion
The implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in pediatric dentistry requires continuous education, adherence to clinical guidelines, and effective communication with caregivers. Studies consistently demonstrate that reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions does not increase treatment failures but significantly decreases adverse events and resistance risk. The ADA and CDC emphasize that dentists play a pivotal role in combating AMR by adopting evidence-based prescribing behaviors and prioritizing local dental treatment over systemic medication.

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✍️ Conclusion
Antibiotic stewardship in pediatric dentistry is essential to ensure patient safety, preserve antibiotic efficacy, and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Adherence to ADA and CDC recommendations supports judicious antibiotic use, reinforces the importance of definitive dental treatment, and aligns pediatric dental care with global public health priorities.

🎯 Clinical Recommendations
▪️ Avoid prescribing antibiotics for localized dental infections without systemic involvement.
▪️ Prioritize definitive dental treatment over pharmacological management.
▪️ Use narrow-spectrum antibiotics when indicated and for the shortest effective duration.
▪️ Educate parents and caregivers about the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use.
▪️ Maintain updated knowledge of ADA and CDC clinical guidelines.

📊 Comparative Table: ADA & CDC Antibiotic Stewardship Principles in Pediatric Dentistry

Clinical Principle	Recommended Practice	Potential Risks if Ignored
Use of antibiotics	Reserved for systemic involvement or spreading infection	Antimicrobial resistance and adverse drug reactions
Management of dental pain	Definitive dental treatment without antibiotics	Unnecessary exposure and false expectation of pain relief
Choice of antibiotic	Narrow-spectrum agents such as amoxicillin	Increased resistance with broad-spectrum use
Duration of therapy	Shortest effective course based on clinical response	Microbiome disruption and higher resistance rates

📚 References

✔ American Dental Association. (2019). Antibiotics for dental pain and swelling: Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Journal of the American Dental Association, 150(11), 906–921. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2019.08.020
✔ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Antibiotic prescribing and use in dental settings. CDC.
✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2023). Use of antibiotic therapy for pediatric dental patients. Pediatric Dentistry, 45(6), 428–434.
✔ Fleming-Dutra, K. E., Hersh, A. L., Shapiro, D. J., et al. (2016). Prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions among U.S. ambulatory care visits. JAMA, 315(17), 1864–1873. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.4151

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Pulpotomy Materials Comparison: Calcium Hydroxide vs. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) in Primary Molars

Pulpotomy is a widely accepted vital pulp therapy for primary molars affected by carious exposure or traumatic injury, aiming to preserve the radicular pulp and maintain tooth function until natural exfoliation.

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The selection of an appropriate pulpotomy material is critical, as it directly influences clinical success, pulpal healing, and long-term prognosis. Among the materials most frequently studied, calcium hydroxide (CH) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have received significant attention due to their biological properties and historical relevance.

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This article provides an updated and evidence-based comparison of these two materials, emphasizing their performance in primary molar pulpotomy from a contemporary pediatric dentistry perspective.

✅ Biological Rationale of Pulpotomy Materials

Calcium Hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide has been traditionally used in vital pulp therapy due to its high alkalinity, antibacterial effect, and ability to stimulate reparative dentin formation. However, its application in primary teeth has shown limitations, including internal resorption and incomplete dentinal bridge formation, which may compromise treatment outcomes.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)
MTA is a bioactive calcium silicate-based material known for its excellent biocompatibility, sealing ability, and capacity to induce hard tissue formation. In primary molars, MTA promotes favorable pulpal responses, including reduced inflammation and consistent dentin bridge formation, contributing to higher long-term success rates.

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✅ Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes
Multiple randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that MTA exhibits superior clinical and radiographic success compared to calcium hydroxide in primary molar pulpotomy. While CH may provide acceptable short-term outcomes, MTA consistently shows lower rates of pathological root resorption, pulp necrosis, and treatment failure during follow-up periods extending beyond 12 months.

💬 Discussion
The declining use of calcium hydroxide in primary molar pulpotomy is supported by growing evidence highlighting its biological instability in primary pulp tissue. In contrast, MTA has emerged as the reference material due to its predictable healing response and long-term effectiveness. Despite its higher cost and handling complexity, MTA’s advantages outweigh these limitations, particularly in pediatric patients where preservation of primary teeth is essential for occlusal development and space maintenance.

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✍️ Conclusion
Based on current scientific evidence, mineral trioxide aggregate demonstrates superior clinical performance compared to calcium hydroxide in pulpotomy of primary molars. Its enhanced biocompatibility, sealing properties, and reduced risk of internal resorption make MTA the preferred material for vital pulp therapy in primary dentition.

🎯 Clinical Recommendations
▪️ MTA should be considered the material of choice for pulpotomy in primary molars when available.
▪️ Calcium hydroxide should be used with caution due to its association with internal resorption and lower long-term success.
▪️ Proper case selection, hemorrhage control, and coronal sealing remain critical regardless of the material used.
▪️ Long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up is essential to evaluate pulpal response and tooth integrity.

📊 Comparative Table: Calcium Hydroxide vs. MTA in Primary Molar Pulpotomy

Clinical Parameter	Calcium Hydroxide	Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)
Biocompatibility	Moderate; may induce chronic inflammation	Excellent; promotes favorable pulpal healing
Dentin bridge formation	Inconsistent and porous	Homogeneous and well-organized
Risk of internal resorption	High incidence reported	Minimal to none
Long-term clinical success	Lower success rates over time	High success rates in long-term follow-up

📚 References

✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2023). Pulp therapy for primary and immature permanent teeth. Pediatric Dentistry, 45(6), 403–412.
✔ Agamy, H. A., Bakry, N. S., Mounir, M. M., & Avery, D. R. (2004). Comparison of mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol as pulp-capping agents in pulpotomized primary teeth. Pediatric Dentistry, 26(4), 302–309.
✔ Holan, G., Eidelman, E., & Fuks, A. B. (2005). Long-term evaluation of pulpotomy in primary molars using mineral trioxide aggregate or formocresol. Pediatric Dentistry, 27(2), 129–136.
✔ Peng, L., Ye, L., Guo, X., Tan, H., Zhou, X., Wang, C., & Li, R. (2007). Evaluation of formocresol versus mineral trioxide aggregate primary molar pulpotomy: A meta-analysis. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 104(6), e40–e44.

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What Are the Oral Manifestations in Oncology Patients? : Early and Advanced Manifestations

Patients undergoing cancer treatment frequently develop oral manifestations that significantly impact quality of life, nutrition, and treatment adherence. These manifestations may appear early during oncologic therapy or progress to severe, potentially life-threatening complications in advanced stages.

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Oral changes are mainly associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as with cancer-related immunosuppression.

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Understanding the chronological progression of oral manifestations is essential for early diagnosis, preventive care, and multidisciplinary management.

✅ Early Oral Manifestations in Oncology Patients
Early oral changes often develop within days to weeks after initiation of cancer therapy and may be subtle but clinically significant.

➤ Oral Mucositis
Oral mucositis is one of the most common and debilitating early complications, characterized by:
▪️ Erythema and mucosal inflammation
▪️ Painful ulcerations
▪️ Burning sensation and hypersensitivity
It is primarily induced by chemotherapy and head-and-neck radiotherapy, resulting from epithelial cell damage and inflammatory cytokine release.

➤ Xerostomia
Reduced salivary flow is frequently observed, especially in patients receiving radiotherapy involving salivary glands. Early xerostomia leads to:
▪️ Dry mouth
▪️ Difficulty swallowing and speaking
▪️ Increased risk of dental caries

➤ Taste Alterations (Dysgeusia)
Taste disturbances may appear early due to damage to taste buds or salivary changes, often resulting in:
▪️ Metallic or bitter taste
▪️ Reduced appetite
▪️ Nutritional deficiencies

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✅ Intermediate Oral Manifestations
As oncologic treatment continues, oral alterations may progress in severity.

➤ Opportunistic Infections
Immunosuppression increases susceptibility to infections, including:
▪️ Oral candidiasis (pseudomembranous or erythematous forms)
▪️ Herpes simplex virus reactivation
▪️ Bacterial infections
These conditions may exacerbate pain and delay oncologic therapy.

➤ Dental and Periodontal Complications
Reduced salivary protection and poor oral hygiene can lead to:
▪️ Radiation-induced caries
▪️ Gingivitis and periodontitis
▪️ Tooth sensitivity and enamel demineralization

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✅ Advanced Oral Manifestations
Advanced stages are often associated with long-term or high-dose oncologic treatments and may have permanent consequences.

➤ Osteoradionecrosis
Osteoradionecrosis is a severe complication mainly affecting irradiated jawbones, characterized by:
▪️ Exposed necrotic bone
▪️ Chronic pain and infection
▪️ Impaired wound healing

➤ Severe Trismus
Fibrosis of masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint structures may result in:
▪️ Limited mouth opening
▪️ Difficulty eating and maintaining oral hygiene

➤ Chronic Ulcerations and Tissue Necrosis
Persistent ulcerations may occur due to:
▪️ Vascular damage
▪️ Impaired immune response
▪️ Secondary infections
These lesions significantly compromise oral function and patient comfort.

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💬 Discussion
Oral manifestations in oncology patients are multifactorial and progressive, reflecting both the direct effects of cancer therapy and the systemic condition of the patient. Early recognition allows for preventive and supportive interventions, reducing complications and improving overall outcomes. Dental professionals play a crucial role within the multidisciplinary oncology care team, particularly in prevention, monitoring, and management of oral complications.

🎯 Recommendations
▪️ Perform comprehensive dental evaluation before initiating cancer therapy
▪️ Implement preventive oral care protocols, including fluoride application
▪️ Monitor patients regularly throughout oncologic treatment
▪️ Manage oral infections promptly to avoid systemic spread
▪️ Educate patients on meticulous oral hygiene and symptom reporting

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✍️ Conclusion
Oral manifestations in oncology patients range from early inflammatory changes to advanced destructive complications. Their impact on quality of life and treatment continuity underscores the importance of early diagnosis, preventive strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proactive dental management is essential to minimize morbidity and support successful oncologic outcomes.

📚 References

✔ Lalla, R. V., Bowen, J., Barasch, A., Elting, L., Epstein, J., Keefe, D. M., … Sonis, S. T. (2014). MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy. Cancer, 120(10), 1453–1461. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.28592
✔ Sonis, S. T. (2009). Mucositis: The impact, biology and therapeutic opportunities of oral mucositis. Oral Oncology, 45(12), 1015–1020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2009.08.006
✔ Jansma, J., Vissink, A., Spijkervet, F. K. L., Roodenburg, J. L. N., & Panders, A. K. (1993). Protocol for the prevention and treatment of oral sequelae resulting from head and neck radiotherapy. Cancer, 72(10), 2895–2903. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19931115)72:10

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Night Guards: Do They Really Help with Bruxism?

Bruxism is a common parafunctional activity characterized by repetitive jaw muscle activity, including clenching or grinding of the teeth. It can occur during sleep (sleep bruxism) or while awake (awake bruxism) and is associated with tooth wear, temporomandibular disorders, and orofacial pain.

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Among the most widely recommended treatments are night guards, also known as occlusal splints. However, an important clinical question remains: do night guards truly help manage bruxism, or do they simply protect the teeth from its consequences?

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✅ What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is defined as a repetitive masticatory muscle activity characterized by clenching, grinding, or bracing of the mandible. It is considered a multifactorial condition, influenced by biological, psychological, and neurological factors rather than occlusal discrepancies alone.

Types of Bruxism
▪️ Sleep bruxism: A sleep-related movement disorder associated with micro-arousals.
▪️ Awake bruxism: A behavioral condition often linked to stress or concentration.

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✅ Causes of Bruxism
The etiology of bruxism is complex and multifactorial:

▪️ Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
▪️ Central nervous system regulation, including sleep arousal mechanisms
▪️ Medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
▪️ Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea
▪️ Lifestyle factors, including caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use
Current evidence indicates that bruxism is centrally mediated, rather than caused by dental occlusion alone.

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✅ Night Guards: Definition and Mechanism of Action
Night guards are custom-made or prefabricated intraoral appliances designed to cover the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, usually fabricated from acrylic or thermoplastic materials.

Their primary functions include:
▪️ Redistributing occlusal forces
▪️ Reducing tooth-to-tooth contact
▪️ Protecting dental structures from wear
▪️ Decreasing muscle hyperactivity in some patients
Importantly, night guards do not eliminate bruxism, but they may reduce its harmful effects.

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✅ Clinical Effectiveness of Night Guards
Scientific evidence supports that night guards:

▪️ Protect teeth from further wear
▪️ May reduce muscle pain and morning discomfort
▪️ Can improve patient awareness of parafunctional habits
However, they do not consistently reduce the frequency of bruxism episodes, particularly in sleep bruxism. Their effectiveness is primarily protective rather than curative.

📊 Comparative Table: Bruxism Treatment Options

Treatment Approach	Clinical Benefits	Limitations
Night Guards (Occlusal Splints)	Protect teeth, reduce wear, may decrease muscle discomfort	Do not eliminate bruxism activity
Behavioral Therapy	Addresses stress-related and awake bruxism factors	Requires patient compliance and time
Botulinum Toxin Injections	Reduces muscle hyperactivity and pain	Temporary effect, invasive, higher cost
Pharmacological Management	May help in selected neurological or sleep-related cases	Limited evidence, potential side effects

💬 Discussion
Night guards remain a cornerstone in the management of bruxism due to their non-invasive nature and protective benefits. Nevertheless, their role should be clearly explained to patients: they manage the consequences, not the underlying neurological or behavioral causes.
Optimal management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining occlusal therapy with behavioral strategies, stress management, and, when indicated, pharmacological or adjunctive therapies.

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🎯 Recommendations
▪️ Use custom-fabricated night guards for better fit and compliance
▪️ Combine occlusal splints with behavioral and stress-reduction therapies
▪️ Monitor patients regularly for appliance wear and symptom progression
▪️ Address contributing factors such as sleep disorders or medication use
▪️ Educate patients that night guards protect teeth but do not cure bruxism

✍️ Conclusion
Night guards are an effective and evidence-based tool for protecting teeth and reducing symptoms associated with bruxism. While they do not eliminate the condition itself, they play a critical role in preventing irreversible dental damage. Comprehensive bruxism management should extend beyond occlusal appliances to address the multifactorial nature of the disorder.

📚 References

✔ Lobbezoo, F., Ahlberg, J., Raphael, K. G., Wetselaar, P., Glaros, A. G., Kato, T., & Manfredini, D. (2018). International consensus on the assessment of bruxism. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 45(11), 837–844. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12663
✔ Manfredini, D., Serra-Negra, J., Carboncini, F., & Lobbezoo, F. (2017). Current concepts of bruxism. International Journal of Prosthodontics, 30(5), 437–438. https://doi.org/10.11607/ijp.5210
✔ Macedo, C. R., Silva, A. B., Machado, M. A., Saconato, H., & Prado, G. F. (2007). Occlusal splints for treating sleep bruxism. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD005514. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005514.pub2

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