By: Dr. Andréa Melo
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that affects millions of people around the world. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 4 million people live with this condition. While the most well-known symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement, bruxism can also be related to the disease, although it is less talked about.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a disease that results from the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain, affecting bodily functions, especially those related to mobility. Although there is no cure, it is possible to manage the symptoms to improve the quality of life of patients.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth involuntarily, often at night. This activity can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity, negatively impacting oral health and quality of life.
Bruxism in Parkinson’s
Bruxism is a common symptom in people with Parkinson’s, often related to the muscle stiffness and involuntary movements that characterize the disease. Progression of motor symptoms, such as reduced control of jaw movements and stiffness of facial muscles, can worsen bruxism and cause significant discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
These factors not only affect oral health but also intensify pain and complications related to the condition, making bruxism management a priority for Parkinson’s patients.
Relationship between bruxism and the brain
Bruxism is classified as a functional brain disorder, linked to the brain areas that control muscle activity and sleep. Studies suggest that changes in neurochemicals, such as dopamine – essential in regulating stress and anxiety – can trigger or worsen bruxism.
Most common impacts of bruxism
- Tooth wear;
- Pain and tension in the jaw;
- Headaches;
- Dental sensitivity;
- Sleep disorders.
Treatment of bruxism in patients with Parkinson’s
Treating bruxism in patients with Parkinson’s can significantly improve quality of life. According to Dr. Andréa Melo, it is essential to adopt a personalized approach that includes sleep care and specific adjustments for each patient.
“Treatments to alleviate bruxism symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s have a very positive impact. They improve sleep, reduce headaches and decrease jaw tension, providing greater comfort and well-being,” says Dr. Andrea Melo.
The treatment method developed by Dr. Andréa includes:
- Sleep hygiene and dietary adjustments: Improving sleep quality with deep sleep techniques and supplementation.
- Occlusal adjustments: Correcting the bite to relieve tension in the joints.
- Use of personalized plates: Tooth protectors or sleep apnea aids.
- Continuous monitoring: Performed after three months, with adjustments to supplementation and the therapeutic plan, as necessary, to ensure optimized results.
Conclusion
Proper management of bruxism in Parkinson’s patients not only improves symptoms related to teeth grinding, but also positively impacts overall quality of life. With a comprehensive approach that includes accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments, it is possible to alleviate discomfort and provide greater well-being for these patients.
