Association of bruxism and anxiety symptoms among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension type headache and temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Objective To assess the presence of bruxism and anxiety among military firefighters with frequent episodic tension-type headache and painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods The sample consisted of 162 individuals aged 18 to 55 years divided into four groups. Headache was diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire was used to classify TMDs and awake bruxism; sleep bruxism was diagnosed in accordance with the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3; and anxiety was classified using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. In statistical models, a significance level of 95% was used. The chi-square test was used to assess anxiety. Results Associations were found among frequent episodic tension-type headache, painful TMDs, awake bruxism and anxiety (p < 0.0005). Sleep bruxism was not a risk factor (p = 0.119) except when associated with awake bruxism (p = 0.011). Conclusion Anxiety and awake bruxism were independent risk factors for developing frequent episodic tension-type headache associated with painful TMDs; only awake bruxism was a risk factor for frequent episodic tension-type headache with non-painful TMDs.

Association among headache, temporomandibular disorder, and awake bruxism: A cross‐sectional study

“…Still, self-report is a method used by other studies in recent years for diagnosing possible AB, [40][41][42][43] as well as for identifying individuals with headaches. 9,[43][44][45][46] Also, the use of a convenience sample can be considered a limitation, as individuals were not selected using statistical criteria.…”

“…However, the retrospective nature of this study did not allow adding new questions or clinical examination for a more accurate diagnosis. Still, self‐report is a method used by other studies in recent years for diagnosing possible AB, 40–43 as well as for identifying individuals with headaches 9,43–46 . Also, the use of a convenience sample can be considered a limitation, as individuals were not selected using statistical criteria.…”

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Bruxism in Adults

“…This tool is also rarely considered for use because it is considered to have only a small impact on the medical world. 8,9,10 According to Bandodkar (2021) age affects bruxism, this is proven in a study that divided groups of respondents based on their age it was found that the prevalence of bruxism was higher in patients who had an age group of 30 years (56.7%) than patients in the age group of 31-35 years (26.7%) and patients over the age of 35 years (16.7%) in this study, this is because the 30-yearold group experiences more pressure in work and the environment that can cause psychological disorders that affect the occurrence of depression. bruxism.…”

“…further in the temporomandibular joint and teeth or the surrounding area. 8,18 Can be concluded that anxiety and bruxism that occur in adults have a relationship. Bruxism is a response that arises as a result of anxiety.…”

“…Meanwhile, non-instrumental measurement can be done by distributing questionnaires concerning the characteristics of bruxism. 8,9,10…”