Knowledge and perception of bruxism during COVID-19 in dental patients of the Calazacón community

Abstract

Introduction: bruxism is one of the conditions commonly treated by dental practitioners. Objective: to describe the knowledge and perception of bruxism during COVID-19 in dental patients in the Calazacón community. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in patients suffering from bruxism who attended a dental office in the Calazacón community of the city of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas during the months of March and April 2022. A purposive sample of 20 patients aged 18 to 25 years who responded to the online questionnaire was selected. Results: 55 % knew the concept of bruxism, 60 % the consequences, 60 % the presentation regardless of age, and 75 % knew of at least one treatment. Seventy percent reported increased stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, 70 % reported pain and jaw stiffness, 75 % identified signs of bruxism in people close to them, and 80 % considered that they would not continue to suffer from bruxism. Seventy-five percent reported going to the dentist at least once a year and 15 % only when they had pain. Conclusions: in patients with bruxism, aged 18 to 25 years, there was knowledge about the concept, triggering factors, consequences and treatment of bruxism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients presented an increase in stress, as well as in the clinical manifestations of bruxism (pain and jaw stiffness). Annual consultation attendance was identified.

Keywords

• bruxismo
• covid-19
• odontología
• ansiedad
• encuestas y cuestionarios.