Peter Catalano¹*, Omar Ramadan¹ and John Walker²

¹Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton, MA, USA
²Department of Orthodontics, Boston University School of Dentistry, USA

*Corresponding Author: Peter Catalano, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Brighton, MA, USA.

Received: March 26, 2024; Published: May 19, 2024

Abstract

Background: Nocturnal bruxism is a common dental problem in adults and children that has recently been shown to result from nasal obstruction. In this study we investigated whether nasal airway surgery to correct nasal obstruction can reduce or eliminate nocturnal bruxism (NB).

Methods: 25 adults (19-67 years; 9M/16F) and 25 children (aged 4-15 years; 9M/16 F) with NB diagnosed by their dentist were studied prospectively. Nine of the children had already undergone sutural palatal expansion. Nasal airway obstruction was evaluated by history, physical exam, CT scan and NOSE scores preoperatively and 3 months post-operatively. Changes in NB were carefully assessed using a VAS scale by the patient, their bed partner or parent, and a repeat exam by their dentist.

Results: The NOSE scores in children went from 11.2 pre-op to 2 post-op (p<.05); and in adults went from 11.3 pre-op to 5.5 post-op (p<.05). NB completely resolved in 15/25 children, improved in another 8 children, and was unchanged in 2. NB resolved in all children who had also previously undergone sutural palatal expansion. In adults, NB completely resolved in 5/25 patients, improved in another 15, and was unchanged in 5 patients. Overall, NB improved in 92% of children and 80% of adults. Patients with the smallest change in NOSE scores had the least improvement in NB. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion: When compared to adults, children had greater improvement in NOSE scores and were more likely to either improve or completely resolve their NB. Better NOSE scores correlated highly with a reduction in symptoms.

Keywords: Nocturnal Bruxism (NB); Sleep; Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

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Citation

Citation: Peter Catalano., et al. "Correction of Nocturnal Bruxism After Nasal Airway Surgery in Adults and Children". Acta Scientific Otolaryngology 6.6 (2024): 21-24.