Unilateral vicious mastication – The importance and resolution: a case report

Introduction: Patients presenting Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are common in our daily clinical  practice. One of the possible conditions that lead to TMD is the habitual chewing side syndrome. Methods: In this case report a clinical approach is presented to manage the TMD related to unilateral vicious mastication. A 42 years old woman presented reporting headaches, di f ficulty to open mouth, presence of sensitivity in the le f t ear and TMJ region, soreness on the le f t side temporal region and sensitivity in the anterior inferior teeth. It was noted that the patient habitually clenched and ground teeth. Patient mentioned  chew more on the left side. Results: A f ter confirming the unilateral mastication, a modified therapy based on the Neuro occlusal Rehabilitation was applied through the use of a splint. A f ter 60 days the patient described absence of the  previous symptoms and pain relief. Conclusion: The evaluation of the masticatory pattern is o f ten neglected; however, it is of great importance since it can lead to several conditions such as condyle wear, pain, alteration of the occlusal plane, deviation of the medial line, deviation of the mandible at mouth opening, bone alterations, Temporomandibular joint(TMJ)  hypofunction, headache, among others.