title: Treatment of bruxism in individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.
abstract: We reviewed studies involving the treatment of bruxism (i.e., teeth clenching or teeth grinding) in individuals with developmental disabilities. Systematic searches of electronic databases, journals, and reference lists identified 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of: (a) participants, (b) procedures used to assess bruxism, (c) intervention procedures, (d) results of the intervention, and (e) certainty of evidence. Across the 11 studies, intervention was provided to a total of 19 participants aged 4-43 years. Assessment procedures included dental screening under sedation and interviews with caregivers. Intervention approaches included prosthodontics, dental surgery, injection of botulinum toxin-a, behavior modification, music therapy, and contingent massage. Positive outcomes were reported in 82% of the reviewed studies. Overall, the evidence base is extremely limited and no definitive statements regarding treatment efficacy can be made. However, behavior modification and dental or medical treatment options (e.g., prosthodontics) seem to be promising treatment approaches. At present, a two-step assessment process, consisting of dental screening followed by behavioral assessment, can be recommended.
authors.affiliation: The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. russlang@mail.utexas.edu
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Machalicek
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rispoli
authors.forename: Soyeon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Jeannie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aquilar
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sigafoos
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lancioni
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Didden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002012:Bruxism / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013070:Speech Therapy