The trigemino-cardiac reflex is well researched in medicine. A newly proposed classification based upon the region stimulated elucidates sleep bruxism's paradoxical effect on the trigemino-cardiac reflex, characterized by tachycardia, hyperpnea and hypertension. This article discusses this complex relationship and the resulting signs and symptoms reported in sleep bruxism, and how it meets these new criterion.

Introduction Sleep-related bruxism is a movement-type sleep disorder affecting 10-12% of the population. It affects men and women equally and has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, tension, and migraine-type headaches (without auras). This disorder is very destructive to the dentition, reduces deep sleep, and can result in significant pain and dysfunction. Methods Review of the literature as well as clinical findings. Results Sleep-related bruxism affects the trigeminal cardiac reflex resulting in a significant sympathetic stimulation of the cardiovascular system. Conclusion Sleep-related bruxism is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as tension and migraine-type headaches (without auras). Support (if any)

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Sleep bruxism (SB) is classified as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. In recent years, the inhibition of the masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR) has been shown to result in increased bite force during sleep bruxism events. Tension type headaches (TTH) are a hallmark symptom reported by sleep bruxism patients and affect the MIR very similarly to SB.