Synopsis: Sleep disordered bruxism has been classified as a “Sleep related movement disorder” by the AASM. We have enough evidence that this is not a “habit”. We will discuss the latest in literature in the enigma of bruxism. The current suggestions and management options with limitations will be discussed briefly.

Objectives:

1: To understand the basics of pathophysiology of sleep bruxism.
2. To discuss the various currently available modalities for management and their limitations

Dr. Davis Thomas successfully completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the prestigious Kasturba Medical College, India, in 1992. He then joined New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry in 1994, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) three years later. In 1998, he went on to complete one year of Advanced Education in General Dentistry at NYU.In 2002, he established his first practice in Oakhurst, NJ and while in private practice, he took several Continuing Education courses at reputed US dental and medical schools in the field of TMJ/TMD and Orofacial Pain. To further his education in this area, Dr. Thomas joined the Post Graduate Fellowship in TMD and Orofacial Pain at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 2005. After completing the fellowship he then went on to receiving his Masters (MSD) in Orofacial Pain, also from UMDNJ. Dr. Thomas recently successfully completed his Masters in Sleep Medicine (MSc Med) with the University of Sydney, Australia. Currently, he is doing his Masters (MSc) in Clinical Pain Management under the University of Edinburgh, UK. Dr. Thomas now continues his research in Pain Management at Rutgers University Dental School, where he is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Diagnostic Sciences Division. He is also the faculty in charge of setting up a Dental Sleep Medicine Program. He has over 4000 hours of Continuing education credits on record. The experience and education Dr. Thomas has acquired over the years has allowed him to lecture extensively all around the world. He has presented several posters and papers at international pain conferences, and met with leading researchers in the field. Dr. Thomas also acts as a consultant to several dental and medical insurance companies by performing Independent Medical Examinations. He has been a commissioned officer in the United Sates Army since 2001. He is also an Attending at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ and at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Dr.Thomas is currently a “Distinguished professor” at Sechenov Medical University, Moscow, Russia; and he is an adjunct faculty at College of Dental Surgery, Manipal, India. Dr.Thomas continues his practice limited to TMD/ Orofacial Pain / and Dental Sleep Medicine, and continues as Faculty at Rutgers School of Dental medicine ( Newark, NJ, USA) and Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY, USA.