By: Dr. Andréa Melo
Bruxism is a condition that affects around 30% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Brazil, the numbers are even more alarming, affecting up to 40% of the population. This condition, characterized by involuntary grinding of the teeth, can cause headaches, muscle pain, sleep apnea and other problems that significantly compromise the quality of life of patients.
Despite the severity of the problem, many current treatments offer limited approaches, bringing few real benefits to patients. Thinking about changing this reality, dentist and PhD in Dentistry, Dr. Andréa Melo , developed an innovative and more comprehensive methodology to treat bruxism, focusing on long-lasting and effective results.
Focus on the cause of the problem
One of the main challenges in treating bruxism is accurately identifying the cause.
“Having a good diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Not all cases of bruxism are the same. Primary bruxism, for example, does not have an obvious cause, while secondary bruxism is related to systemic conditions. Differentiating these cases is essential to directing treatment,” explains Dr. Andréa Melo. .
She also points out that many traditional approaches use outdated techniques: “The splints that most dentists use are over 100 years old, but the scientific literature has advanced a lot since then. It is necessary to adopt more modern and comprehensive approaches to achieve better results.”
Methodology based on three pillars
Dr. Andréa Melo ‘s methodology is structured around three main pillars: diagnosis, treatment and control.
- Diagnosis:
The cause of bruxism is identified using tools such as a diagnostic plate, a painless test worn during sleep for 5 to 7 days. This test assesses the type and intensity of the problem, providing essential data for treatment planning. - Treatment:
The therapeutic process is divided into four stages:
- Prescription of pre-sleep habits and dietary adjustments;
- Supplementation without the use of prescription drugs;
- Use of personalized plates for protection and comfort;
- Adjustments to the patient’s bite to improve functionality and reduce the impact of the problem.
- Follow-up:
After initial treatment, patients undergo a three-month follow-up, followed by regular assessments. This step is essential to adapt the treatment plan as needed and ensure long-lasting results.
Conclusion
Dr. Andréa Melo ’s innovative approach to treating bruxism represents a significant advance in the field of dentistry. With a focus on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatments, and ongoing monitoring, her methodology offers an effective and long-lasting solution to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition.
