The use of botulinum toxin as an alternative treatment for myofacial pain resulting from sleep bruxism: Integrative literature review

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to seek information on the efficacy of botulinum toxin as a therapeutic option for myofascial pain resulting from sleep bruxism, through an integrative literature review. The bibliographic research was carried out using an advanced search strategy in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Capes Periodicals Portal (PPC) databases. As a result, it was identified that botulinum toxin is effective in relieving the symptoms of myofascial pain resulting from sleep bruxism, however, it should not be the first choice for the treatment of the condition. It is concluded that the management of muscle pain associated with sleep bruxism should take into account the patient’s preference, treatment adherence and financial availability for the intervention. Furthermore, better results were observed in the symptomatological picture of the condition, when the occlusal splint was chosen as a treatment alternative, especially if associated with other concomitant approaches, such as administration of botulinum toxin, pharmacological treatment, acupuncture and physiotherapy, for example.