Bruxism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bruxism, including details on grinding teeth, sleep, headaches, treatment.

Self-inflicted oral injury in an infant with transverse myelitis.

Almeida D, da Costa KN, Castro Rde A, Almeida ML, Vianna R, Antonio AG

Postgraduate Student, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Veiga de Almeida University, Brazil.

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory disorder that affects the spinal cord. It is characterized by signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction in the motor and sensory tracts of the spinal cord bilaterally, resulting in weakness, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction with acute or subacute onset. We report on a child who had ATM and respiratory distress requiring ventilatory assistance who presented with severe self-mutilation involving his lips. Other findings included bruxism that had caused mobility of the primary teeth. Comprehensive dental care was carried out under sedation. The management of the lip trauma was achieved by the use of a soft, plastic mouth guard, and corticosteroid ointment.

Published 5 November 2009 in Spec Care Dentist, 29(6): 254-8.
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