Assessment of bruxism in the clinic

Evaluation of fractal analysis and radiomorphometric measurements of mandibular bone structure in bruxism and non-bruxism paediatric patients

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this examination was to compare the impact of probable sleep/awake bruxism on the mandibular trabecular bone structure by fractal analysis (FA) with digital panoramic radiograph (DPR) and radiomorphometric measurements in paediatric patients with bruxism.

METHODS

The examination included 130 participants with 63 patients with probable sleep/awake bruxism and 67 control groups. Bilateral regions of interest (ROI) in three regions were examined as ROI1: mandibular ramus, ROI2: mandibular angulus, ROI3: anterior to the molar teeth. Radiomorphometric measurements were taken of the mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and mandibular cortical index (MCI). p < 0.05 was approved for statistical significance.

RESULTS

The ROI-1, ROI-2, and ROI-3 values were defined to be statistically significantly high in the bruxism group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in the other values (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the age and gender for any of the parameters (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents, the mandibular trabecular bone can be affected by bruxism. FA can be used as an auxiliary method for finding the mandibular trabecular differences of patients with bruxism in paediatric dentistry just as it can for adults.

Oral Health Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. While the systemic implications of OSA are well documented, the dental consequences are less frequently discussed yet equally significant. This review aims to elucidate the oral health impacts of OSA, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to identify studies examining the relationship between OSA and various oral health parameters. The review included observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English up to January 2024.

RESULTS

OSA was significantly associated with heightened risks of bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal and dental changes, and alterations in taste sensation. Mouth breathing associated with OSA was a critical factor in exacerbating xerostomia and dental caries. Furthermore, the systemic inflammation induced by OSA appeared to correlate with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients using oral appliance therapy for OSA also showed notable changes in dental occlusion and required ongoing dental monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and oral health, highlighting the need for dental professionals to be integral participants in the management of OSA. Early dental evaluation and intervention can contribute to the overall health and quality of life of individuals with OSA. The review advocates for the development of clinical guidelines to facilitate the early identification and management of OSA-related oral health issues within dental practice and encourages a collaborative approach to patient care.

Relationship between Sleep Bruxism Determined by Non-Instrumental and Instrumental Approaches and Psychometric Variables

Sleep bruxism (SB) can be determined with different diagnostic procedures. The relationship between psychometric variables and SB varies depending on the diagnostic method. The aim of the study was to compare the association between SB and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL; measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile, OHIP), anxiety (measured by the State-Trait anxiety inventory, STAI), and stress (single scale variable) depending on the diagnostic method in the same sample. N = 45 participants were examined by non-instrumental (possible/probable SB) and instrumental methods (definite SB). The OHIP differed significantly between possible SB (median = 4) and non-SB (median = 0) with W = 115, p = 0.01, and probable SB (median = 6) and non-SB (median = 0) with W = 101, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the OHIP score between definite SB and non-SB. For the other psychometric variables, the analyses revealed no significant differences between SB and non-SB in all diagnostic procedures. The results suggest that there is a difference between possible/probable and definite SB with respect to the association with OHRQoL. Certain aspects of possible/probable SB might be responsible for the poor OHRQoL, which are not measured in definite SB.

Attitude of Italian dental practitioners toward bruxism assessment and management: A survey-based study

INTRODUCTION

Bruxism is a spectrum of masticatory muscles activities. According to the recent evidence and international consensus, there is no indication to treat bruxism unless clinical consequences are present. The aim of the present study was to investigate the approach of Italian dentists to bruxism in their clinical practice.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey was developed, composed by 26 items grouped into five sections: (1) Characteristics of the respondent (Q1-Q6); (2) Bruxism frequencies (Q7-Q11); (3) Bruxism assessment (Q12-Q15); (4) Bruxism management (Q16-Q20); (5) Occlusal splints therapy (Q21-Q26).

RESULTS

A total of 384 practitioners, including specialists and non-specialists, participated in this survey. The majority of the respondents reported that 1-3 out of ten patients presented with bruxism. The diagnosis is mainly performed with non-instrumental methods, and facial pain and dental wear are the major clinical consequence associated with bruxism. Almost the entire sample of respondents report to offer occlusal splints to bruxism patients, and 41% refer to perform occlusal adjustments. Almost half of the respondents have never proposed any form of cognitive-behavioural therapy.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current survey highlighted several inconsistencies in Italian dentists' approaches to bruxism, suggesting the need for better education of practitioners and for the development of a standardized protocol to assess and manage bruxism in dental practices.

Sixty-month comperative evaluation of a glass hybrid restorative and a composite resin in non-carious cervical lesions of bruxist individuals

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical performance of a glass hybrid (GH) restorative and a nano-ceramic composite resin (CR) in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) of bruxist individuals in a 60-month randomized clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five bruxist candidates having NCCLs were recruited in this clinical study. The depth, height (cervico-incisal), width (mesio-distal), internal angles of the NCCLs, degree of tooth wear (TWI) and gingival index (GI) were measured. One hundred-and-forty-eight NCCLs were restored either with a GH restorative (Equia Forte Fil) or a CR (Ceram.X One Universal). Modified USPHS criteria was used to evaluate restorations after 1 week and 12, 24, 36 and 60 months. Pearson's Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact and Cochran Q tests were run for analysis. Survival rates of the restorations were compared with Kaplan-Meier analysis (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

After 60 months, 97 restorations in 15 patients were examined. The recall rate was 60.0%. Retention rates were 73.5% for CR and 66.7% for GH. A total of 29 restorations were lost (13CR (26.5%), 16GH (33.3%)). There was not a significant difference between tested restoratives in retention (p = 0.464), marginal adaptation (p = 0.856) and marginal discoloration (p = 0.273). There was no relationship between internal angle, depth, height or width and retention of the GH or CR restorations (p > 0.05). The increase in retention loss and marginal discoloration of both restorations over time were significant (p < 0.001). Sensitivity or secondary caries were not detected after 60 months.

CONCLUSION

GH and nano-ceramic CR showed similar clinical performances in NCCLs after 60 months in patients with bruxism.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

After 60 months, CR and GH materials showed clinically acceptable performances in restoration of NCCLs in patients with bruxism.

Association between Psychological Distress and Possible, Probable, and Definite Sleep Bruxism-A Comparison of Approved Diagnostic Procedures

(1) Background: The relationship between sleep bruxism (SB) and psychological distress has been investigated in numerous studies and is heterogeneous. Different diagnostic procedures have been applied to determine SB. The aim of this study was to directly compare the association between psychological distress and SB diagnosed by different accepted methods. (2) Methods: Data of N = 45 subjects were analyzed, including group comparisons and correlation analyses. Following diagnostic methods for the determination of SB were used in one sample: self-report, clinical assessment, polysomnography with audio-video recording and a novel diagnostic sheet with analyzing software. Psychological distress was measured using the global severity index (GSI) of the Symptom Checklist-90-Standard (SCL-90-S). (3) Results: The GSI did not differ significantly between subjects with and without SB, regardless of the underlying diagnostic classification (p > 0.05). In-depth correlation analyses of self-report and clinical data revealed a weak-to-medium correlation with the GSI (r = 0.12-0.44). Due to non-normally distributed data, a test of statistical significance was not possible. Variables of instrumental methods such as the SB index (amount of SB activity per hour) of polysomnography (PSG) showed almost no correlation with psychological distress (r = -0.06-0.05). (4) Conclusions: Despite these limitations, the results provide an indication that the choice of diagnostic procedure may elucidate the variance in the correlation between SB and psychological distress.

Assessment of awake bruxism-Combinational analysis of ecological momentary assessment and electromyography

PURPOSE

No consensus exists regarding the examination methods and assessment criteria for awake bruxism (AB). In this study, masticatory muscle activity measured using electromyography (EMG) was recorded simultaneously with the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of bruxism events. Data were collected to identify distinctive EMG parameters in AB.

METHODS

A total of 104 individuals were classified into the bruxism (BR) or control (CO) groups based on clinical findings. The participants recorded EMA on a tablet device under continuous EMG recording using a data log-type wireless EMG device. For EMA recording, a warning was randomly provided three times each hour for five hours. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained based on EMA and EMG events. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at the time of maximum bite force was set at 100%. The muscle activity was assessed as a relative value.

RESULTS

Based on discriminant analysis, analysis of participants who had four or more positive clenching EMA responses was appropriate. The assessed parameters for the EMG cutoff value determination procedure, which combined EMG and EMA, resulted in a cutoff value that enabled the distinction between the BR and CO groups. The area under the ROC curve was 0.77 and the cut-off value was 3.2 events/hour under the EMG of 20% MVC with a duration of ≥1 s.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report a combined analysis of the EMA and EMG. These results suggest its effectiveness as a cutoff value for AB screening.

The bruxism screener (BruxScreen): Development, pilot testing and face validity

BACKGROUND

To assess awake and sleep bruxism, the Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB) is currently being developed. The STAB will be a comprehensive tool for the detailed assessment of bruxism behaviour itself as well as of its possible consequences, causes, and comorbid conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Since the STAB cannot fully meet the 'A4 principle' for a bruxism assessment tool, i.e., being Accurate (reliable and valid), Applicable (feasible), Affordable (cost-effective), and Accessible (suitable for everyday clinical use), the Bruxism Screener (BruxScreen) has been developed to be used in large-scale epidemiological research projects and, especially, in general, dental practices.

METHODS

The BruxScreen consists of two parts: a questionnaire (BruxScreen-Q) to be completed by patients, and a clinical assessment form (BruxScreen-C) to be completed by dentists.

RESULTS

This paper describes the development of the BruxScreen and provides the outcomes of the pilot testing phase and the face validity assessment (i.e. that the first impressions of the tool indicate that it adequately reflects the construct to be measured).

CONCLUSION

The resulting BruxScreen is considered ready for more profound psychometric testing in the general dental setting.

Smartphone application to report awake bruxism: Development and testing of the Swedish version and a pilot study to evaluate family history in young adults and their parents

BACKGROUND

Together with psychosocial and hereditary factors, bruxism is a possible risk factor for orofacial pain. Bruxism is defined as a masticatory muscle activity characterized by repetitive or sustained tooth contact, or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. A smartphone application to report awake bruxism (AB) has been developed and translated into more than 25 languages.

OBJECTIVE(S)

To translate the application into Swedish, adapt it to Swedish culture and conduct a study to evaluate the usability of the application for studies on family history and associated risk factors.

METHODS

Translation and cultural adaption of the Swedish version of the application (BruxApp) was carried out in a four-step sequential process. Ten young adults (22-30 years) were recruited together with ten parents (42-67 years) and reported their AB with the application over two seven-day periods. Pain, stress and parafunctional behaviours were assessed by questionnaires.

RESULTS

The back translation check showed minimal discrepancies between the translation and the English version. Participants did not report any problems with the application. Response rates for both groups were 65%. A difference in frequency of AB was shown between young adults and parents (22.0% vs. 12.5%, p < .001). A positive moderate correlation was found between AB and stress (r = 0.54, p = .017).

CONCLUSION

The use of application strategies enables data collection on AB which can be used in both clinical and research settings. The results suggest that the Swedish version is ready for implementation and for studies on the relationships between AB, family history and psychosocial factors.

Research routes on awake bruxism metrics: Implications of the updated bruxism definition and evaluation strategies

BACKGROUND

With time, due to the poor knowledge on it epidemiology, the need to focus on awake bruxism as a complement of sleep studies emerged.

OBJECTIVE

In line with a similar recent proposal for sleep bruxism (SB), defining clinically oriented research routes to implement knowledge on awake bruxism (AB) metrics is important for an enhanced comprehension of the full bruxism spectrum, that is better assessment and more efficient management.

METHODS

We summarised current strategies for AB assessment and proposed a research route for improving its metrics.

RESULTS

Most of the literature focuses on bruxism in general or SB in particular, whilst knowledge on AB is generally fragmental. Assessment can be based on non-instrumental or instrumental approaches. The former include self-report (questionnaires, oral history) and clinical examination, whilst the latter include electromyography (EMG) of jaw muscles during wakefulness as well as the technology-enhanced ecological momentary assesment (EMA). Phenotyping of different AB activities should be the target of a research task force. In the absence of available data on the frequency and intensity of wake-time bruxism-type masticatory muscle activity, any speculation about the identification of thresholds and criteria to identify bruxers is premature. Research routes in the field must focus on the improvement of data reliability and validity.

CONCLUSIONS

Probing deeper into the study of AB metrics is a fundamental step to assist clinicians in preventing and managing the putative consequences at the individual level. The present manuscript proposes some possible research routes to advance current knowledge. At different levels, instrumentally based and subject-based information must be gathered in a universally accepted standardised approach.

Evaluation of the quality of Internet information on masseter botox injection for bruxism

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as botox, is frequently used in facial aesthetics, but also has therapeutic applications in various medical and surgical conditions such as bruxism treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research is to evaluate the information quality of only English resources available on the Internet regarding the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism.

METHODS

The terms "Botox + Tooth Grinding" selected for this study were searched on the Internet using the Google Search Engine, and the URLs of the top 150 websites containing only English pages were recorded and examined. The websites were assessed using DISCERN tools, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark, and HONcode tools. The website readability evaluation involved utilizing the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).

RESULTS

A total of 130 websites met the inclusion criteria. The total mean DISCERN score (section 1 + section 2) for all websites was 39.75/75 (range: 15-67). The average FRES of all websites was 52.79, and the average FKGL score of all websites was 10.72. Internet blog websites had significantly higher DISCERN (Section 1) scores than other websites (p= 0.007). Only one website had the HON code. Internet blog websites showed better compliance with JAMA (authorship and currency) benchmarks. No statistically significant difference was determined related to FRES and FKGL scores between groups (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate and difficult-to-read information on the Internet about masseter botox injection for bruxism. Relevant guidelines are needed to improve the quality of websites about botulinum toxin for the treatment of bruxism.

The development of the Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB): An international road map

This paper summarises the background reasoning and work that led to the selection of the items included in the Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB), also introducing the list of items. The instrument is currently being tested for face validity and on-field comprehension. The underlying premise is that the different motor activities included in the bruxism spectrum (e.g. clenching vs. grinding, with or without teeth contact) potentially need to be discriminated from each other, based on their purportedly different aetiology, comorbidities and potential consequences. Focus should be on a valid impression of the activities' frequency, intensity and duration. The methods that can be used for the above purposes can be grouped into strategies that collect information from the patient's history (subject-based), from the clinical assessment performed by an examiner (clinically based) or from the use of instruments to measure certain outcomes (instrumentally based). The three strategies can apply to all aspects of bruxism (i.e. status, comorbid conditions, aetiology and consequences). The STAB will help gathering information on many aspects, factors and conditions that are currently poorly investigated in the field of bruxism. To this purpose, it is divided into two axes. Axis A includes the self-reported information on bruxism status and potential consequences (subject-based report) together with the clinical (examiner report) and instrumental assessment (technology report). Axis B includes the self-reported information (subject-based report) on factors and conditions that may have an etiological or comorbid role for bruxism. This comprehensive multidimensional assessment system will allow building predictive model for clinical and research purposes.

Factors associated with preschool children's sleep bruxism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of sleep bruxism, related factors, and quality of life of preschool children and their families.

METHOD

The sample was 475 children between 4 and 5 years old enrolled in schools in the city of Bauru-Brazil. Parents/legal guardians answered two questionnaires, one to assess the presence of bruxism and related factors and another that was the validated Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). Intraoral clinical examination was performed by two trained examiners (Kappa = 0.82) within the school environment. The data were analyzed using statistics and the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient. The significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sleep bruxism was 47.4%. The highest prevalence was related to Class I canines and marked overjet, oral habits, such as nail biting, lip biting, chewing gum, and mouth breathing. Children with agitated sleep, reports of headache, and those considered aggressive, anxious, and/or shy were also more related.Conclusion: In the studied sample, sleep bruxism prevalence was high and related to important oral and general factors. Data also indicated SB as the main factor that interfered in the OHRQoL of children and their families.

Prevalence of awake Bruxism: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence of Awake Bruxism (AB).

SOURCES

The electronic search was done in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Livivo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to January 2nd, 2023. The search strategies combined terms such as "bruxism," "awake," and related terms when conducting searches in databases. Grey literature was consulted through Google Scholar, ProQuest, and OpenGrey.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers participated in the study selection stages and included observational studies assessing the prevalence of AB, detected using reporting feedback (self or family report), clinical examination, and/or instrumental methods, regardless of the sex and age of the population.

DATA

Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's checklist for prevalence studies. Ratio meta-analyses were performed using R Statistics software.

RESULTS

From a total of 3,083 studies identified by the searches on databases, 322 articles were reviewed the full-text and a total of 81 (quantitative synthesis) and 83 (narrative synthesis) studies were included. Only fifteen studies reached complete methodological quality. Two overall meta-analyses were performed, grouped based on convenience and population-based samples. The overall prevalence for possible AB was 32.08 % and 16.16 %, respectively. For the subgroup analyses, the prevalence rate showed a wide variation in different studied populations, approximately 14 %-32 % for women and 19 %-30 % for men, for population-based and convenience studies, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Possible AB prevalence was set from 16 % to 32 %. Studies with probable AB and definitive AB are still necessary.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Studying the prevalence of waking bruxism is of interest to both dentists and patients. Knowing the probability of patients having awake bruxism allows the dentist to offer comprehensive preventive approaches to patients, avoiding deleterious consequences resulting from this condition. The present study reveals that the condition of bruxism during wakefulness is present in one out of every six adult patients studied. In pediatric patients, although this condition seems to be equally present, not enough studies were found to support this information for probable and definitive bruxism.

Bruxism and Botulinum Injection: Challenges and Insights

Botulinum toxin (BTA) is a bacterial-derived extract that can inhibit muscle contraction, acting directly on the absorption of acetylcholine. Thanks to this property, botulinum has been used in aesthetic and general medicine for several years. Nowadays, the use of botulinum toxin is being deepened to address the problem of bruxism. In this scoping review, the results of the studies in the literature of the last 10 years were analyzed. Indeed, 12 reports (found on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, entering the keywords "BRUXISM" and "BOTULINUM TOXIN") were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. In the studies reviewed, BTA was injected into different muscle groups: masseters, masseter and temporalis or masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid. Botulinum toxin injection is a viable therapeutic solution, especially in patients with poor compliance or without improvement in conventional treatment.

Electromyographic analysis of the stomatognathic system of children with Molar-incisor hypomineralization

INTRODUCTION

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect of dental enamel that affects one or more permanent first molars, with or without involvement of the incisor teeth. This condition leads to challenges to dental care and treatment planning.

AIM

Based on the hypothesis that children who have MIH possibly present alterations in postural and masticatory activities and considering the absence of studies investigating these parameters, the present study evaluated the functionality of the stomatognathic system considering the mentioned aspects.

MATERIALS

The comparison of individuals with (MIHG; n = 32) and without MIH (CG; n = 32) was evaluated by electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles (right and left), as well as evaluation of the masticatory cycles during habitual mastication.

RESULTS

MIHG showed muscle hyperactivity in postural and dynamic conditions compared to the CG; higher electromyographic values for MIHG when compared to CG in the following postural conditions: at rest for the right temporal (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.03); in the protrusion to the right temporal muscle (p = 0.02); in the right laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.01); in the left laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.03) and left temporal (p = 0.04) muscles. In dynamic conditions with consistent food, significance was observed for the left temporal (p = 0.01); and with soft food for the right (p = 0.01) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with MIH seem to have impaired functionality of the stomatognathic system. Children with MIH have alterations in the stomatognathic system.

Effect of standardized training in combination with masseter sensitization on corticomotor excitability in bruxer and control individuals: a proof of concept study

Recently, it has been proposed that bruxism could represent an overlearned behavior due to the absence of corticomotor plasticity following a relevant tooth-clenching task (TCT). This study assessed the modulatory effects of a nerve growth factor (NGF) injection on masseter muscle corticomotor excitability, jaw motor performance, pain, and limitation in bruxer and control participants following a TCT. Participants characterized as definitive bruxers or controls were randomly assigned to have injected into the right masseter muscle either NGF or isotonic saline (IS), resulting in a study with 4 arms: IS_Control (n = 7), IS_Bruxer (n = 7); NGF_Control (n = 6), and NGF_Bruxer (n = 8). The primary outcome was the masseter motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude measured at baseline and after a TCT. After the interventions, significantly higher and lower MEP amplitude and corticomotor map area were observed, respectively, in the IS_Control and NGF_Control groups (P < 0.05). Precision and accuracy depended on the series and target force level with significant between-group differences (P < 0.01). NGF-induced masseter muscle sensitization, in combination with a training-induced effect, can significantly impact the corticomotor excitability of the masseter muscle in control participants indicating substantial changes in corticomotor excitability, which are not observed in bruxers. These preliminary findings may have therapeuthic implications for the potential to "detrain" and manage bruxism, but further studies with larger sample sizes will be needed to test this new concept.

Correlation between a Force-Sensing Oral Appliance and Electromyography in the Detection of Tooth Contact Bruxism Events

Background: Oral appliances embedding sensors can be interesting tools for monitoring tooth contact bruxism in a home environment, as they address some of the usability limitations of portable electromyography (EMG) systems. In this study, an oral appliance for sleep bruxism monitoring was compared to an electromyograph. Methods: Simulated bruxism events with tooth contact, specifically clenching and grinding, and other occlusal activities unrelated to bruxism, were measured in 23 subjects with the two instruments simultaneously. The recordings were analyzed automatically by a computer program in order to compare the two techniques. Results: The two instruments were found to be strongly correlated in terms of detecting events (r = 0.89), and estimating their duration (r = 0.88) and their intensity (r = 0.83). Conclusions: The two techniques were in agreement in measuring event frequency, duration and intensity in the studied group, suggesting that force-sensing oral appliances have the potential to be easy-to-use tools for home monitoring of bruxism, alone or as complements to portable EMGs.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin type a in the targeted treatment of sleep bruxism: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study

Background

Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) have been used in the treatment of sleep bruxism (SB) however controlled trials are limited and the optimal injection strategy and dose is not known.

Methods

This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BTX-A in participants with SB. Average bruxism events per hour of sleep (Bruxism Index, BI) was calculated using surface electromyography. Participants with BI >5 were included and randomised by order of injection (active or placebo with the opposite 20 weeks later) and into one of three differing treatment groups: bilateral masseter (60 units(U)), bilateral masseter and temporalis (90U) and bilateral masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoid muscles (120U). Change in BI and subjective measures of headache, pain, and bruxism at 4 and 12 weeks was calculated following intervention, and differences between treatment groups analysed.

Results

41 participants were recruited, 35 randomised and data from 22 participants (14 female) were analysed. BI was significantly lower at 4 weeks after active treatment when compared with placebo (mean=−1.66, p=0.003), not sustained at 12 weeks. The difference was greater with higher doses injected and among those with greater baseline BI. There was no difference in subjective measures at any time point. Five participants injected had mild, transient side effects.

Discussion

Targeted BTX-A injection is a safe and effective treatment for SB. A greater benefit may be achieved by administering BTX-A into more muscles and at higher total doses and among those with higher baseline BI.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001430224.

Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives on Awake Bruxism Assessment: Expert Consensus Recommendations

Awake bruxism (AB) is differentiated from sleep bruxism (SB) by the differences in etiology, comorbidities, and consequences related to the different spectrum of muscle activities exerted in relation to the different circadian manifestations. Furthermore, less literature data are available on AB than on SB. The introduction of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) strategies has allowed for collecting valuable data on the frequency of the different activities reported by an individual in his/her natural environment. This strategy has been further improved with the recent use of smartphone technologies. Recent studies have described an average frequency of AB behaviors, within the range of 23-40% for otherwise healthy young adults. An association between AB and some psychological traits has emerged, and the findings have indicated that patients with musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g., temporomandibular joint and/or muscle pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue) report higher AB frequencies. Preliminary data suggest that muscle bracing and teeth contact are the most commonly reported behaviors, while teeth clenching is much less frequently reported than commonly believed previously. Report of teeth grinding during wakefulness is almost absent. This paper has critically reviewed the currently available approaches for the assessment of AB. In addition, some future perspectives and suggestions for further research have been provided.

Retrospective clinical study of tooth-supported single crowns: A multifactor analysis

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of multiple factors on the survival of tooth-supported single crowns and assess the biological and technical complications. This retrospective study included patients rehabilitated with single crowns with a minimum follow-up time of 6 months after delivery. The cumulative survival rate was calculated over the maximum period of follow-up time and reported in a life-table survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate the associations between clinical covariates and crown failure. The included cohort group consisted of 1037 single crowns delivered in 401 patients and followed for a mean of 134.8 ± 80.2 months. Cumulative survival rate was 89.9% and 80.9% after 5 and 10 years and 70.5% and 61.8% after 15 and 20 years, respectively. The main reasons for single crown failure were loss of retention, tooth loss, and fracture. Anterior placement, non-vital abutments, and bruxism significantly influenced the survival of single crowns. The survival of single crowns was not influenced by patient's age and sex, location of the crowns in relation to the jaws, type of tooth, presence of post and core, and type of crown material, treatment providers, or smoking. Anterior placement, non-vital abutments, and bruxism are factors suggested to increase the risk of single crown failure and the prevalence of technical and biological complications.

Association between the severity of possible sleep bruxism and possible awake bruxism and attrition tooth wear facets in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the severity of possible sleep bruxism (PSB) and possible awake bruxism (PAB) and attrition tooth wear facets (ATWF) in children/adolescents.

METHODS

Four hundred-thirty-four children/adolescents enrolled in schools in Lavras, Brazil, participated in this cross-sectional study. Caregivers answered a questionnaire about their childrens' PSB. Children/adolescents answered a questionnaire about the occurrence of PAB.

RESULTS

ATWF among individuals without PSB and PAB was lower than those with moderate/severe PSB (p = 0.038) and moderate/severe PAB (p = 0.003). ATWF in anterior teeth was lower among individuals without PSB compared to those with mild (p = 0.015) and moderate/severe PSB (p = 0.032). ATWF in posterior teeth was lower among individuals without PAB compared to those with mild (p = 0.046) and moderate/severe PAB (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The number of attrition tooth wear facets is proportional to the severity of PSB and PAB.

Customized Appliance Device for Force Detection in Bruxism Individuals: An Observational Study

Objective

This study aims to test a customised device for detecting contact-related sleep bruxism in adult patients and to show the efficacy of an established biofeedback method incorporated within the device.

Methods

Four volunteers, three of whom suffered from bruxism and one did not, underwent four tests to assess bruxism-related force detection during sleep with concurrent electromyographic recording and to compare SB activity with and without biofeedback stimuli.

Results

The device detected sleep bruxism in bruxer individuals, whilst no activity emerged in the control individual. A correlation between EMG and device signals for bruxism-related events emerged. Moreover, bruxism activity showed a significant decrease on the nights when the biofeedback treatment was applied.

Conclusion

The force-based device can detect appliance-contacting SB events as reliably as EMG recording. Finally, biofeedback stimuli allowed achieving a reduction in the severity and frequency of SB events.

Correlation between Bruxism and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder and Their Effects on Tooth Wear. A Systematic Review

Bruxism and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can lead to wear of the dental tissues. Wear has a mechanical or chemical origin, and it is of extrinsic or intrinsic type. Bruxism and GERD are two etiological factors of dental wear. The intrinsic mechanical wear (abfraction) of Bruxism and intrinsic chemical wear (erosion) of GERD are both involved in sleep disorders; indeed, they could have associations and act in synergy in dental wear. The purpose of this review was to find out the possible associations between bruxism and GERD and their effects on tooth wear. The research was conducted on PubMed and the Cochrane Library using the following Keywords/Mesh Terms: Tooth wear, Bruxism, Sleep Bruxism, Sleep Disorders, or GERD. Only systematic reviews and clinical studies performed exclusively on human subjects were included in the review. Initially, the research gave more than 630 results on dental wear, bruxism and GERD and after application of the inclusion criteria irrelevant studies were excluded, and 5 studies were finally included in this review. It was possible to observe the presence of some associations between the two problems (reflux and GERD) and hypothesize negative effects on tooth wear. This research revealed the presence of an interconnection between these three problems (reflux, GERD and tooth wear) that can further act in synergy by attacking the hard dental tissues both from a chemical (reflux) and mechanical (bruxism) point of view. The dentist could play a role of “sentinel” in a multidisciplinary team, intercepting these problems early in order to treat them in the most appropriate way. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021234209.

A Pragmatic Approach to the Management of Severe Awake Bruxism in an Adolescent with Cerebral Palsy and Global Developmental Delay

Cerebral palsy is a neurological and motor condition characterised by muscle balance and posture impairments. Bruxism and malocclusion were frequently observed in patients with cerebral palsy, in contrast to other oral anomalies. The report outlines how severe awake bruxism is managed in a 16-year-old Korean boy who has nonverbal spastic cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. The treatment protocol involved the fabrication of soft occlusal splints of three and four millimetres in thickness, followed by the placement of stainless-steel crowns on all first permanent molars whilst video recording and a bruxism diary was kept. Fixed restorations demonstrate increased endurance in withstanding bruxism force in persons who are dependent on their caretaker.

Comparison of Kinesio Taping and manual therapy in the treatment of patients with bruxism using shear-wave elastography-A randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Bruxism is significantly associated with craniofacial pain, feeling of stiffness or fatigue of the jaw and neck pain. Various physiotherapeutic strategies are used in the treatment of bruxism; however, it is not clear which method leads to greater decrease in pain.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two physiotherapy methods (manual therapy [MT] and Kinesio taping with manual therapy [KTMT]) in patients with bruxism.

METHODS

Patients were randomised into MT or KTMT groups. Evaluations were performed at baseline and following 4 weeks of physiotherapy. Muscle thickness and stiffness were assessed via shear wave elastography; pain thresholds were evaluated using algometer. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and quality of life was assessed with Likert scales regarding the associated symptoms.

RESULTS

Significant decreases were found in muscle stiffness, pain threshold, sleep quality and quality of life (P < .05) in both MT and KTMT groups. Pain in bilateral temporalis and right occipital region of the trapezius muscle decreased more in the KTMT group compared with the MT group (P < .05). No significant differences in muscle thickness (P > .05) were found in either of the groups.

CONCLUSION

Both MT and KTMT methods were effective in the treatment of bruxism. Kinesio Tape used in conjunction with MT has additionally decreased jaw pain and temporal region pain compared with MT intervention only. Therefore, if jaw pain is the primary complaint of a patient, our results recommend including Kinesio Tape application in the physiotherapeutic treatment program.

Evaluation of the effect of bruxism on mandibular cortical bone using radiomorphometric indices on panoramic radiographs

Background

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effects of bruxism on mandibular cortical bone using radiomorphometric indices on digital panoramic radiographs.

Materials and Methods

The mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) were measured on digital panoramic radiographs and evaluated for 128 bruxers (66 female, 60 male) and 128 control subjects. The data were analyzed statistically using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Kappa statistics, Chi-square test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t-test, and Pearson's correlation analysis.

Results

There was no difference between the groups in terms of MCI type (P > 0.05). While mean MI values were significantly higher in bruxers than the control group (P = 0.007), the difference between groups in mean PMI values was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). In both groups, the C1 type was more prevalent in females than in males (P = 0.001). Females showed significantly lower mean MI values than males in both groups (P ≤ 0.040). However, the difference between genders in mean PMI values was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

MI measurements may be useful when radiomorphometric indices are to be used for the diagnosis or follow-up of bruxism in the mandible. Among radiomorphometric indices, MI and MCI values are affected by gender differences.

Prevalence of bruxism in adults with cerebral palsy institutionalized in Lisbon

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of bruxism in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and evaluating the various factors associated METHODS: One hundred and ten adults diagnosed with CP were selected from six institutions for people with special needs. Data were collected through oral examinations using the diagnostic criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the modified scale of Asworth RESULTS: Of the total sample, spastic tetraplegia was the most common type and half of the population presents severe intellectual disability. The prevalence of bruxism was 74,5%. Wear facets were observed in 67.9% of the sample, 59.1% of which were brilliant. There was a positive association between mixed bruxism (MB) and the spasticity classification. Through a logistic regression it was found that the risk of having MB and general bruxism (GB) is greater in individuals who have shiny wear facets.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study the high prevalence of GB indicates there is an urgent need for treatment options in people with CP. More studies are needed with standardized diagnostic protocols and representative samples to evaluate the factors that influence the presence of bruxism in this population and to establish an appropriate treatment planning.

Wear Behavior of Occlusal Splint Materials Manufactured By Various Methods: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review studies on various materials and methods used for wear testing of occlusal devices and their antagonists in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

An electronic search in OVID, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus was conducted using the following terms (MeSH words) with any synonyms and closed terms: "Splint*" OR "occlusal splint*" OR "night guard" OR "occlusal device" OR "occlusal devices" OR "deprogrammer" OR "bite splint" OR "bite plane" OR "orthotic appliance*" OR "orthotic devices" AND "wear" OR "two-body wear" OR "three-body wear" OR "tooth wear" OR "wear measurement*" OR "wear behaviour" OR "wear behavior" OR "abrasion" AND "Polymethyl Methacrylate" OR "PMMA" OR "acrylic resin*" OR "dental material*" OR "dental enamel" OR "CAD" OR "CAM" OR "PEEK" OR "material* testing". Database search was limited to English-language publications and published between 2001 and 1st of September 2021. A further hand search was done to ensure all materials were captured.

RESULTS

After the removal of duplicates, 115 studies were identified, and 11 were chosen for review. Studies showed that the lowest volumetric loss was observed in PEEK occlusal device materials, whereas heat-cure, CAD-milled, and 3D printed occlusal device materials had no significant difference in wear. Vacuum-formed materials showed the highest wear among all groups. Testing parameters were found to be inconsistent across all studies.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for standardization of in vitro and in vivo wear measurement and testing protocols as this study revealed a wide variety of testing protocols which potentially could influence the outcome. Polishing procedures are required for the material. Limited studies are available on 3D printed occlusal device materials and would therefore require further investigation, especially on printing build angles and settings. Further clinical studies would be advantageous to provide guidance on the selection of the best occlusal device material that would last the longest without remake.

Smartphone-based evaluation of awake bruxism behaviours in a sample of healthy young adults: findings from two University centres

A smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) strategy was used to assess the frequency of awake bruxism behaviours, based on the report of five oral conditions (ie relaxed jaw muscles, teeth contact, mandible bracing, teeth clenching and teeth grinding). One hundred and fifty-three (N = 153) healthy young adults (mean ± SD age = 22.9 ± 3.2 years), recruited in two different Italian Universities, used a dedicated smartphone application that sent 20 alerts/day at random times for seven days. Upon alert receipt, the subjects had to report in real-time one of the above five possible oral conditions. Individual data were used to calculate an average frequency of the study population for each day. For each condition, a coefficient of variation (CV) of frequency data was calculated as the ratio between SD and mean values over the seven recording days. Average frequency of the different behaviours over the seven days was as follows: relaxed jaw muscle, 76.4%; teeth contact, 13.6%; mandible bracing, 7.0%; teeth clenching, 2.5%; and teeth grinding, 0.5%. No significant differences were found in frequency data between the two University samples. The relaxed jaw muscles condition was more frequent in males (80.7 ± 17.7) than in females (73.4 ± 22.2). The frequency of relaxed jaw muscles condition over the period of observation had a very low coefficient of variation (0.27), while for the different awake bruxism behaviours, CV was in a range between 1.5 (teeth contact) and 4.3 (teeth grinding). Teeth contact was the most prevalent behaviour (57.5-69.7). Findings from this investigation suggest that the average frequency of AB behaviours over one week, investigated using EMA-approach, is around 23.6%.

Signal acquisition and analysis of ambulatory electromyographic recordings for the assessment of sleep bruxism: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) devices are increasingly being used in sleep bruxism studies. EMG signal acquisition, analysis and scoring methods vary between studies. This may impact comparability of studies and the assessment of sleep bruxism in patients.

OBJECTIVES

(a) To provide an overview of EMG signal acquisition and analysis methods of recordings from limited-channel ambulatory EMG devices for the assessment of sleep bruxism; and (b) to provide an overview of outcome measures used in sleep bruxism literature utilising such devices.

METHOD

A scoping review of the literature was performed. Online databases PubMed and Semantics Scholar were searched for studies published in English until 7 October 2020. Data on five categories were extracted: recording hardware, recording logistics, signal acquisition, signal analysis and sleep bruxism outcomes.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight studies were included, published between 1977 and 2020. Recording hardware was generally well described. Reports of participant instructions in device handling and of dealing with failed recordings were often lacking. Basic elements of signal acquisition, for example amplifications factors, impedance and bandpass settings, and signal analysis, for example rectification, signal processing and additional filtering, were underreported. Extensive variability was found for thresholds used to characterise sleep bruxism events. Sleep bruxism outcomes varied, but typically represented frequency, duration and/or intensity of masticatory muscle activity (MMA).

CONCLUSION

Adequate and standardised reporting of recording procedures is highly recommended. In future studies utilising ambulatory EMG devices, the focus may need to shift from the concept of scoring sleep bruxism events to that of scoring the whole spectrum of MMA.

Awake Bruxism-Single-Point Self-Report versus Ecological Momentary Assessment

Assessment of awake bruxism (AB) is problematic due to the inability to use continuous recordings during daytime activities. Recently, a new semi-instrumental approach was suggested, namely, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), via the use of a smartphone application. With the application, subjects are requested to report, at least 12 times per day, the status of their masticatory muscle activity (relaxed muscles, muscle bracing without tooth contact, teeth contact, teeth clenching, or teeth grinding). The aim of the present study was to test the association between a single observation point self-report and EMA assessment of AB. The most frequent condition recorded by the EMA was relaxed muscles (ca. 60%) and the least frequent was teeth grinding (less than 1%). The relaxed muscle condition also showed the lowest coefficient of variance over a seven-day period of report. Additionally, only the relaxed muscles and the muscle bracing conditions presented an acceptable ability to assess AB-positive and AB-negative subjects, as defined by single-point self-report questions. The combination between self-report and EMA may have the potential to promote our ability to assess AB. We suggest to re-consider the conditions of teeth contact and teeth grinding while using EMA to evaluate AB.

An Artificial Intelligence Hypothetical Approach for Masseter Muscle Segmentation on Ultrasonography in Patients With Bruxism

Aim:

The present study is aimed to assess the segmentation success of an artificial intelligence (AI) system based on the deep convolutional neural network (D-CNN) method for the segmentation of masseter muscles on ultrasonography (USG) images.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study was carried out by using the radiology archive of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of the Faculty of Dentistry in Ankara University. A total of 195 anonymized USG images were used in this retrospective study. The deep learning process was performed using U-net, Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (PSPNet), and Fuzzy Petri Net (FPN) architectures. Muscle thickness was assessed using USG by manual segmentation and measurements using USG’s software. The neural network model (CranioCatch, Eskisehir-Turkey) was then used to determine the muscles, following automatic measurements of the muscles. Accuracy, ROC area under the curve (AUC), and Precision-Recall Curves (PRC) AUC were calculated in the test dataset and compare a human observer and the AI model. Manual segmentation and measurements were compared statistically with AI ( P < .05). The Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyze whether there is a statistically significant difference between the predicted values and the actual values.

Results:

The AI models detected and segmented all test muscle data for FPN and U-net, while only two cases of muscles were not detected by PSPNet (false negatives). Accuracies of FPN, PSPNet, and U-net were estimated as 0.985, 0.947, and 0.969, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic scores of FPN, PSPNet, and U-net were estimated as 0.977, 0.934, and 0.969, respectively. The D-CNN measurements of the muscles were similar to manual measurements. There was no significant difference between the two measurement methods in three groups ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The proposed AI system approach for the analysis of USG images seems to be promising for automatic masseter muscle segmentation and measurement of thickness. This method can help surgeons, radiologists, and other professionals such as physical therapists in evaluating the time correctly and saving time for diagnosis.

Investigation of mandibular fractal dimension on digital panoramic radiographs in bruxist individuals

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate changes in mandibular trabecular bone structure in bruxism using fractal analysis on digital panoramic radiographs obtained with automatic dosing.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective study, fractal analysis was performed on radiographs of 126 bruxists and 126 non-bruxists. Eight paired mandibular regions of interest were selected: the bilateral condylar and gonial regions, and the bilateral dentate regions between the apical areas of the first molar and second premolar and between the first premolar and canine. Fractal dimensions (FDs) were calculated at each site.

RESULTS

Mean FD values in the bilateral gonial regions of the bruxists were significantly lower than those of controls (P ≤ .049). In both groups, FD values of the right dentate region anterior to the mental foramen were significantly lower than those on the left side (P ≤ .042). Females exhibited significantly lower FD values in both condylar regions in both groups (P ≤ .039) and in the right dentate regions in the controls (P ≤ .022). Correlations between age and FD in all regions were positive but nonsignificant in both groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

FD values of mandibular trabecular bone are affected by bruxism in the gonial region and by laterality and sex differences in the condylar and dentate regions.

Drug-Induced Bruxism: a Comprehensive Literature Review

Bruxism is a parafunctional teeth grinding activity that is attributed to be of multifactorial origin. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview on drug-induced bruxism, commonly associated drugs, and its possible pathogenic mechanisms. Around 43 relevant publications were selected after a comprehensive search in PubMed, Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar with appropriate keywords to collect data and compile this review. Disturbances in the neurotransmitters and their receptors in the central nervous system may play a significant role, particularly in sleep bruxism. Drugs that interfere normal secretion and function of neurotransmitters are documented to be capable of inducing bruxism. Such psychotropic drugs are being used in clinical practice chiefly for the management of mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Although bruxism is a well-recognized side effect of certain medications, the extent of awareness about the same is still inadequate among dental professionals.

Associations among masticatory muscle activity, physical activity and self-reported oral behaviours in adult women

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between masticatory muscle activity (MMA), self-reported oral behaviours (OBs) and overall physical activity (PA) in adult women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MMA and PA were assessed by a wearable electromyography (EMG) device and accelerometer respectively, worn over 2 non-consecutive days by 53 women (mean age 27.5 ± 6.4 years). Following the second recording day, self-reported OBs were assessed. MMA was assessed by the number, amplitude and duration of masseter contraction episodes. Masseter muscle EMG outcome measures were number of contraction episodes per hour (CEs/h) and the relative contraction time (RCT%). PA was assessed by time accumulated in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and 10-min bouts of MVPA per hour. Data were analysed using mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

MMA in free-living conditions consisted mostly of low-amplitude (<10% maximum voluntary clenching) and short-duration (<10 s) contraction episodes. Masseter CEs/h were not associated with self-reported levels of OB. Masseter CEs/h were positively associated with time accumulated in MVPA (F = 9.9; p = 0.002) and negatively associated with 10-min bouts of MVPA/h (F = 15.8; p <0.001). RCT% was not significantly associated with either.

CONCLUSIONS

Objectively assessed MMA is not associated with self-reported OB in free-moving adult females. Moderate to vigorous exercise and physical inactivity are accompanied with an increase in the number of masseter muscle contractions and thus possibly tooth clenching activity.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

OB can be influenced by the type and extent of PA. Subjective assessment of MMA by questionnaire and/or interviews may be invalid.

[Changes in the oral mucosa in patients with bruxism]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine changes in the oral mucosa in patients with bruxism using the method of autofluorescence stomatoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

50 patients with bruxism aged 35-65 years were examined at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University - Sofia, Bulgaria. Using the digital diagnostic system OccluSense (Bausch, Germany), deviations in static and dynamic occlusion were determined. For the diagnosis of precancerous diseases and early stages of malignant neoplasms of the oral mucosa, we used the method of autofluorescent stomatoscopy using a LED stomatoscope «AFS» made in Russia with radiation in the spectral range of 400 nm.

RESULTS

The normal mucous membrane of the mouth at this frequency of the spectrum has a green glow. Metabolic and/or structural changes occurring at the cellular and/or tissue level of the oral mucosa lead to a change in its optical properties.Analysis of occlusion in 50 patients with bruxism showed uneven distribution of the chewing load. In 60% of patients, the presence of supercontacts was revealed, and in 76% of cases, occlusion disorders were detected, in 88% of patients, hyperkeratosis of the buccal mucosa was noted, and in 77.3% they were localized along the line of closing of the teeth.

CONCLUSION

Examination of the oral mucosa using the autofluorescent stomatoscopy method allows visualizing and, accordingly, objectifying the presence of hyperkeratotic changes in the buccal mucosa in patients with bruxism. The APS apparatus allows for a reliable and effective assessment of non-inflammatory and inflammatory changes, precancerous and cancerous lesions, which makes it indispensable for the manifestation of oncological alertness in the daily clinical practice of dentists.

Evaluation of the effects of bruxism on oral health-related quality of life in adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bruxism on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults in relation to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: Three hundred-fifteen adults of both sexes were divided into two groups: bruxers (n = 172) and controls (n = 143). The participants with TMD were divided into three subgroups based on myofascial pain, disc displacement, or both. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to assess OHRQoL. Results: Bruxers had poorer OHRQoL than controls, and the highest mean OHIP-14 domain scores were observed in physical pain. Bruxers with TMD had higher total OHIP-14 scores and individual domain scores than those without TMD. Bruxers without TMD demonstrated higher OHIP-14 scores than controls. Conclusion: Bruxism was associated with poor OHRQoL. Where bruxism was accompanied by TMD, OHRQoL could be more negatively affected. The presence of bruxism without TMD was also associated with poor OHRQoL.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin in the management of temporomandibular myofascial pain and sleep bruxism

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter and temporal muscles in patients with temporomandibular myofascial pain and sleep bruxism.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted based on a clinical record review of 44 patients (36 females and eight males; mean age, 35.70±12.66 years). Patients who underwent the injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter and temporal muscles for the management of temporomandibular myofascial pain and sleep bruxism were included in the study. Patients were diagnosed based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Sleep bruxism was diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The values of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of jaw motion, including unassisted maximum mouth opening (MMO), protrusion, and right and left laterotrusion, were observed preoperatively and postoperatively at one-, three-, and six-month follow-up visits.

Results

MMO, movements of the right and the left laterotrusion, and protrusion increased significantly (P<0.05), while VAS ratings decreased significantly at the three follow-up points relative to baseline values (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for patients with temporomandibular myofascial pain and sleep bruxism.

Bruxism, Related Factors and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Vietnamese Medical Students

Although bruxism is a common issue with a high prevalence, there has been a lack of epidemiological data about bruxism in Vietnam. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of bruxism and its impact on oral health-related quality of life among Vietnamese medical students. Bruxism was assessed by the Bruxism Assessment Questionnaire. Temporomandibular disorders were clinically examined followed by the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I. Perceived stress, educational stress, and oral health-related quality of life were assessed using the Vietnamese version of Perceived Stress Scale 10, the Vietnamese version of the Educational Stress Scale for Adolescents, and the Vietnamese version of the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile, respectively. The prevalence of bruxism, sleep bruxism, awake bruxism, and both conditions in Vietnamese medical students were 51.2%, 38.2%, 23.4%, and 10.4% respectively. Stress, temporomandibular joint pain, masticatory muscle pain, and tooth attrition were associated with the presence of bruxism. Vietnamese medical students were negatively affected by bruxism in terms of oral health-related quality of life.

Patient-based experiences with the use of an ambulatory electromyographic device for the assessment of masticatory muscle activity during sleep

Background

It is important to know how easy or difficult it is to use an ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) device for sleep bruxism assessment, and how this might affect its future utilisation.

Objective

To explore the experience of individuals using an EMG device that pairs with a smartphone app, in order to detect factors that could facilitate and/or hamper its utilisation in future scientific research.

Methods

Fifteen adults were recruited in the Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction Clinic of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). Overnight recordings were performed in the home setting during one week. Time investment, feelings and thoughts, encountered difficulties and reasons for not using the device were assessed in a diary through open‐ended questions and 5‐point Likert scales. Content analysis of textual data was performed, and descriptives of quantitative data were calculated.

Results

Time investment was low (mean 10.2 minutes in the clinic, and 1.9 minutes per recording at home). Quantitative data showed an overall good experience (median of 4). Qualitative diary data showed that the desire to gain insight into one's masticatory muscle activity formed the main motivation to use the device. Device detachment and difficulty in using the app were the most prominent negative experiences.

Conclusion

The EMG device was well accepted for multiple overnight recordings. Curiosity for gaining insight into muscle activity was the most important factor that facilitated its use, and the app addressed this need. Device detachment and difficulties in using the app were the main factors that hampered its use.

Sleep bruxism and oral health-related quality of life in children: A systematic review

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a masticatory muscle activity during sleep that can cause several consequences to the stomatognathic system. This systematic review investigated the impact of SB on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of 0- to 6-year-old children. Literature search was undertaken through PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, TRIP, Livivo databases, and grey literature. The search was conducted with no publication year or language limits. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. From 185 potentially eligible studies, three were included in the review. All studies were conducted in Brazil, published between 2015 and 2017, and used the B-ECOHIS instrument to evaluate OHRQoL. Two studies found no association between SB and OHRQoL, whereas one showed a significant negative impact of SB on the OHRQoL of children. SB was associated with respiratory problems, presence of tooth wear, dental caries, malocclusion as well as income and pacifier use. Risk of bias ranged from moderate to high, and the quality of evidence was judged as very low. The evidence is currently insufficient for definitive conclusions about the impact of SB on OHRQoL of children.

Oral splints for patients with temporomandibular disorders or bruxism: a systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Splints are a non-invasive, reversible management option for temporomandibular disorders or bruxism. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of splints remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of splints for patients with temporomandibular disorders or bruxism. This evidence synthesis compared (1) all types of splint versus no/minimal treatment/control splints and (2) prefabricated versus custom-made splints, for the primary outcomes, which were pain (temporomandibular disorders) and tooth wear (bruxism).

REVIEW METHODS

Four databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched from inception until 1 October 2018 for randomised clinical trials. The searches were conducted on 1 October 2018. Cochrane review methods (including risk of bias) were used for the systematic review. Standardised mean differences were pooled for the primary outcome of pain, using random-effects models in temporomandibular disorder patients. A Markov cohort, state-transition model, populated using current pain and Characteristic Pain Intensity data, was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for splints compared with no splint, from an NHS perspective over a lifetime horizon. A value-of-information analysis identified future research priorities.

RESULTS

Fifty-two trials were included in the systematic review. The evidence identified was of very low quality with unclear reporting by temporomandibular disorder subtype. When all subtypes were pooled into one global temporomandibular disorder group, there was no evidence that splints reduced pain [standardised mean difference (at up to 3 months) -0.18, 95% confidence interval -0.42 to 0.06; substantial heterogeneity] when compared with no splints or a minimal intervention. There was no evidence that other outcomes, including temporomandibular joint noises, decreased mouth-opening, and quality of life, improved when using splints. Adverse events were generally not reported, but seemed infrequent when reported. The most plausible base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was uncertain and driven by the lack of clinical effectiveness evidence. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed splints becoming more cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of ≈£6000, but the probability never exceeded 60% at higher levels of willingness to pay. Results were sensitive to longer-term extrapolation assumptions. A value-of-information analysis indicated that further research is required. There were no studies measuring tooth wear in patients with bruxism. One small study looked at pain and found a reduction in the splint group [mean difference (0-10 scale) -2.01, 95% CI -1.40 to -2.62; very low-quality evidence]. As there was no evidence of a difference between splints and no splints, the second objective became irrelevant.

LIMITATIONS

There was a large variation in the diagnostic criteria, splint types and outcome measures used and reported. Sensitivity analyses based on these limitations did not indicate a reduction in pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The very low-quality evidence identified did not demonstrate that splints reduced pain in temporomandibular disorders as a group of conditions. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not splints reduce tooth wear in patients with bruxism. There remains substantial uncertainty surrounding the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

FUTURE WORK

There is a need for well-conducted trials to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of splints in patients with carefully diagnosed and subtyped temporomandibular disorders, and patients with bruxism, using agreed measures of pain and tooth wear.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017068512.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 7. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Recording of bruxism events in sleeping humans at home with a smart instrumented splint

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report quantitative and qualitative characteristics of bruxism events recorded in sleeping humans with a new smart ambulatory system specifically designed to measure dental clenching and grinding forces. The device is wireless and rechargeable, which enables its use over extended periods.Methods: Thirty recordings were obtained from volunteer subjects who wore the device at home during 10 consecutive nights (Clinicaltrials.gov N° NCT03363204).Results: The recordings showed that the system was able to successfully monitor bruxism during 10 consecutive nights, allowing a quantitative (number, duration, intensity, distribution during the night), as well as a qualitative characterization of the bruxism events (clenching vs. grinding).Discussion: This system could offer new perspectives in the field of bruxism, either as a research tool for clinical studies or as a medical device for the ambulatory home-based monitoring of bruxism.

Quality of life of children with sleep bruxism

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the Quality of life (QoL) of children with and without sleep bruxism in Chennai population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with participants of both genders assigned as bruxers (n = 36) and non-bruxers (n = 36) from different regions of Chennai with the age range of 6-12 years. Parents/Caregivers answered a questionnaire in the waiting room. The QoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). OHIP-14 was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The sociodemographic characteristics presented no significant differences between bruxers and non-bruxers (P > 0.005). There was a significant difference in QoL between the case and control group (<0.001). Bruxers had worse QoL than controls.

CONCLUSION

Sleep bruxism may be associated with a negative impact on QoL.