Self-reported bruxism mirrors anxiety and stress in adults

Abstract

Objectives: The aims were to analyze whether the levels of self-reported bruxism and anxiety associate among otherwise healthy subjects, and to investigate the independent effects of anxiety and stress experience on the probability of self-reported bruxism. Study Design: As part of a study on irregular shift work, a questionnaire was mailed to all employees of the Finnish Broadcasting Company with irregular shift work (number of subjects: n=750) and to an equal number of randomly selected employees in the same company with regular eight-hour daytime work. Results: The response rates were 82.3% (56.6 % men) and 34.3 % (46.7 % men), respectively. Among the 874 respondents, those aware of more frequent bruxism reported significantly more severe anxiety (p<0.001). Adjusted by age and gender, frequent bruxers were more than two times more likely to report severe stress (odds ratio 2.5; 95% confidence interval 1.5-4.2) and anxiety (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.6) than non-or-mild bruxers. Conclusions: Present findings suggest that self-reported bruxism and psychological states such as anxiety or stress may be related in working age subjects. Key words:Bruxism, self-report, anxiety, stress, adult.

Comparison of Clinical and Psychological Characteristics between Self-Reported Bruxism and Clinically Detected Bruxism by Wear Facet on Splint

“…There were similar reports that SRB may be indicator of sleep problem, especially frequent awakening, 23) and may be related psychological states such as anxiety or stress. 24) However, there was no significant difference of clinical and psychological characteristics between "yes" and "no" subgroups in WFB groups. It remains unclear why selfperceived bruxism and polysomnographically or clinically detected bruxism seem to be poorly associated.…”

“…It remains unclear why selfperceived bruxism and polysomnographically or clinically detected bruxism seem to be poorly associated. 24) Recent systematic review found that research based on self-report or clinical bruxism diagnosis showed a positive association with TMD pain, but they have some potential bias and confused diagnostic level. Studies based on more quantitative and specific methods to diagnose bruxism showed much lower association between bruxism and TMD symptoms.…”

Neuro-behavioral pattern of sleep bruxism in wakefulness

“…Ahlberg et al (2013) suggest that underlying anxiety and stress may exacerbate bruxism, and also cause more frequent arousals during sleep. Finally, Hajcak et al (2010), in a major review on event-related potentials and emotion regulation, described a number of studies that strongly correlated specific cortical responses with emotion regulation.…”

Somatic Tinnitus

“…Somatic modulation was positive mainly for TMJ, with increased tinnitus loudness in 4/5 (80%) TMJ maneuvers and in 2/14 (14.3%) NECK maneuvers. Gnathological examination revealed the presence of a clinically evident TMJ disorder following DC/TMD Axis I classification [74][75][76][77][78] (Myalgia, Myofascial pain -ICD-9 729.1; Arthralgia -ICD-9 524.62). The patient was treated with a nocturnal occlusal splint for a period of 12 months, reporting a significant improvement in bruxism and TMJ pain and a complete resolution of her tinnitus about 8 months after initial assessment.…”

“…Bruxism is also strongly linked to the stress and anxiety disorder of the patient that coincided with a critical time in her life (end of high-school studies with final exams, and beginning of a new cycle of education) [75][76][77][78] . At first examination, there were many factors suggesting the presence of somatic tinnitus.…”