MULTIDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF AWAKE AND SLEEP BRUXISM: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Aleksandra Karolak; Jakub Michał Lichoń; Mateusz Józef Goldyn; Ewa Wietrzykowska; Piotr Trojan; Andrzej Wydrych; Patryk Pindlowski; Agata Karasiewicz; Maja Kuklo; Marta Kras

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5135

Authors

Aleksandra Karolak Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1179-1126
Jakub Michał Lichoń J. Śniadecki Specialist Hospital in Nowy Sącz, Nowy Sącz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7691-357X
Mateusz Józef Goldyn Podhale Specialist Hospital in Nowy Targ, Nowy Targ, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2833-598X
Ewa Wietrzykowska Municipal Polyclinical Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5510-9007
Piotr Trojan Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7956-4704
Andrzej Wydrych Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Płońsk, Płońsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8466-2892
Patryk Pindlowski Hospital of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Wołomin, Wołomin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2474-860X
Agata Karasiewicz Otwock County Hospital – Otwock County Health Centre, Otwock, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2301-267X
Maja Kuklo Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration with the Warmia-Mazury Oncology Centre in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4008-647X
Marta Kras The Independent Group of Public Ambulatory Care Institutions Warsaw-Ochota, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9605-1866

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.5135

Keywords:

Awake, Sleep, Bruxism, Treatment, Symptoms, Oral Health, Management

Abstract

Introduction: Bruxism is currently understood as a range of jaw muscle activities and teeth contact that occur during sleep and/or wakefulness. Awake bruxism can be distinguished from sleep bruxism based on differences in etiology, comorbidities, and the spectrum of muscle activity and clinical manifestations. Although the exact cause of bruxism remains unclear, it is considered to be multifactorial. This article aims to highlight both awake and bruxism and explore various approaches to their management.

Aim of the Study: The aim of this article is to review current knowledge on awake and sleep bruxism and increase awareness of its multidisciplinary management.

Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The following keywords were used in various combinations: "bruxism," "awake," "sleep" "management," "treatment," and "oral health." Fourty four relevant articles published between 2001 and 2025 were selected for analysis.

Results: The most common current approaches to managing awake and sleep bruxism include occlusal splints, mandibular advancement devices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback therapy, mindfulness techniques, self-awareness and self-regulation strategies, physical therapy (such as physiotherapy, exercise, and dry needling), botulinum toxin injections, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain exacerbation.

Conclusion: Bruxism and its associated symptoms can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Early identification and appropriate management can help reduce facial muscle soreness, headaches, and general fatigue and pathological tooth wear.

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