Botulinum toxin type A and the treatment of bruxism – case report

Vol. 4 – Number 15 – 2023 Case report Page 42-49 Botulinum toxin type A and the treatment of bruxism – case report Paula Roberta da Conceição Brasil¹ Cledson Lima de Azevedo² Caio Batista Cafola³ ABSTRACT Bruxism is characterized by the habit of grinding and/or tightening teeth due to masticatory muscle hyperactivity, resulting in symptoms that bring suffering and affect the quality of life of patients. It has a multifactorial and unknown origin, and the severity of the lesions and their intensity alternate switches between people. The application of botulinum toxin type A (BtX-A) for muscle relaxation has been applied in many scientific studies, for aesthetic and functional purposes, extending to the most diverse areas of health and with excellent results. Thus, the objective of this case report was to present the action of BtX-A for the treatment of bruxism, evaluating its aesthetic and functional results. The results were considered satisfactory since it was possible to noticed reduction of the masseter muscle with thinning of the lower third of the face, as well as improvement of the pain picture reported by the patient. However, we consider that the high cost of the procedure may be a limiting factor to the social layers with lower purchasing power. Descriptors: Botulinum toxin, bruxism, treatment. ¹ Master, in Public Health – UEFS, Specialist in Orofacial Harmonization – FACOP. ² PhD in Dentistry – Faculty of Dentistry – USP, Master in Dentistry – Faculty of Dentistry – USP. ³ Specialist in Orofacial Harmonization – FACOP, Professor of the Specialization Course in Orofacial Harmonization – Instituto Professor Doutor Cledson Azevedo – São Paulo Unit and Salvador Unit. DOI: 10.24077/2023;41503170056