The Use of a Device in Parafunctional Habits in a Patient With Neurodegenerative Disease: Case Report

Introduction: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative parkinsonian disease in which its phenotype is defined based on the location of the tau protein accumulation in the structures of the Central Nervous System (CNS).Thus, patients are characterized by having supranuclear vertical gaze palsy, postural instability, dysphagia, changes in cognition, in addition to the possibility of compromising the motor activity of muscles, such as chewing, which could result in parafunctional habits such as bruxism. Objective: In this case report, the use of a device as a means of preventing and treatment for traumatic soft tissue injuries caused by bruxism secondary to PSP. Case report: A 67-year-old Brazilian patient, diagnosed with PSP, attended, with the help of her guardians, the local Dentistry reference service for Patients with Special Needs, complaining of a lesion on her lower lip. It was observed that the injury had a traumatic origin associated with intense bruxism. Therefore, we opted for conservative treatment. Conclusion: In the present case, it was observed that conservative techniques, such as the use of mouth guards, can be considered in the prevention and treatment of traumatic injuries associated with bruxism secondary to neurodegenerative diseases such as PSP.