THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY AND BRUXISM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

This is a literature review aiming to identify the relationship between anxiety and bruxism, discussing both and their association. An electronic search was carried out in the Pubmed and Epistemonikos databases, with the descriptors: (Stress) AND (bruxism), (Anxiety) AND (Bruxism) and (Dental Stress Analysis) AND (bruxism). The literature demonstrates that the correlation between anxiety and bruxism is significant, however, there is a need to carry out more studies that address the association in a standardized and outlined way. Most of the studies included in this review showed that individuals with a high level of anxiety develop bruxism while awake, compared to bruxism during sleep. The prevalence of this disorder in women is also identified, but children and adolescents continue to have a high rate of development due to various factors, whether psychological or behavioral. In addition to anxiety, other previous factors were cited as corroborating the development of bruxism, the most cited were: depression, stress, genetics, smoking and excessive alcohol use. As a treatment, occlusal appliances continue to be effective for managing bruxism. Finally, the relationship between the two is positive, and investigation into the cause must be carried out and combined with multidisciplinary treatment, which is often psychological.