Fatal Complication of Mouthguard Used to Treat Awake Bruxism in Patient With Frontotemporal Dementia

This report presents a patient suffering from awake bruxism associated with frontotemporal dementia being treated with a mouthguard, which ultimately becomes lodged in her posterior oropharynx leading to asphyxiation. The case highlights the need for investigation into the occurrence and treatment of awake bruxism among patients with dementia, and the unique risk-benefit analysis that must be performed to develop proper treatment plans for patients with dementia.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Controversies in Care Source Type: research