Self-care treatment on patients with wakefulness bruxism

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate self-care efficacy on reduction of pain and wakefulness bruxism before the treatment with the stabilization splint. Methods: Sixty patients were divided into two groups: 30 belonging to the group that received the self-care guide (G1) and 30 belonging to the control group (G2) who were advised to wait for the beginning of the treatment with the stabilization splint. G1 received a self-care guide for immediate application before any intervention for bruxism treatment. The instructions were given as tips to follow every day for 1 month. Before being given to the patient, the guide was read aloud and clearly by the researcher and clarifying any patients doubts or questions. To evaluate the evolution of each group, the evaluation of physical symptoms occurred at 2 times (M1 and M2). G1 the efficacy of the self-care guide was tested through patient's report of pain sensation before and after the use of the guide. The control group (G2) was evaluated at M1 and M2, in order to obtain a parameter of pain evaluation in patients not previously subjected to the treatment. Results: The Self-care group presented statistical significance in relation to the group that did not receive self-care. Conclusion: According to the results obtained it can be verified that the patient's awareness about this problem and the application of a conservative therapy based on self-care was effective reducing the pain level of patients with wakefulness bruxism.