Eficácia da toxina botulínica no tratamento do bruxismo na Odontologia: Uma revisão bibliográfica

Bruxism is repetitive masticatory muscle activity manifested by clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep or by mandibular bracing during wakefulness. It may be associated with tooth wear, muscle pain, headache, and temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in the management of bruxism in dental practice. A qualitative, descriptive literature review was conducted using PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The selection flow recorded 13 included studies, supplemented by conceptual and pharmacological references. The synthesis indicated reductions in muscle activity and painful symptoms across different studies. In an investigation involving 120 patients, 65.8% rated the outcome as good and 4.2% as excellent, with no significant adverse effects reported. Clinical trials also indicated improvements in muscular and pain outcomes after injections into the masseter and/or temporal muscles. However, heterogeneity in doses, injection sites, follow-up periods, and diagnostic criteria limits comparisons among studies and prevents definitive conclusions. Botulinum toxin type A therefore appears to be a promising complementary therapeutic option, particularly for controlling muscle hyperactivity and pain, and should be individually indicated and combined with other therapeutic measures.