Objectives The study aimed to investigate the psychosocial predictors of bruxism. The association of various psychosocial factors such as alexithymia, emotional processing, state and trait anxiety, and stress with awake bruxism was analysed. Methods The study involved 52 volunteers diagnosed with awake bruxism. The toolkit that was used included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the State- and Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), with independent individual psychological diagnoses being made for every patient. The results were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24. Results The obtained data clearly show that psychological traits—both permanent dispositions (e.g., state anxiety and alexithymia) and temporary states (e.g., trait anxiety, emotional processing deficits, and psychological stress)—are significant determinants of awake bruxism. The percentage of explained variance indicates the presence of other factors as well. Conclusions Psychosocial factors such as state anxiety and trait anxiety, alexithymia, and perceived stress are as important as somatic causes in the occurrence and maintenance of awake bruxism. The profile of the obtained data suggests the possibility of preventing or minimizing the symptoms of awake bruxism through properly constructed psychoprophylactic interactions.

BackgroundNumerous studies have discussed cases of concomitant temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and otologic symptoms (OS). However, attempts to determine the true origin of these symptoms combined with assessments of the condition of the organ of hearing are relatively rare.This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and type of OS in patients with TMD, and attempted to determine the origin of the OS in the studied group of patients.Material/Methods246 patients, aged 40.08±11.12 years (F=147, M=99) with TMD, from the Department of Oral Rehabilitation of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: dental history interviews and clinical examinations. There were 2 groups–G1 and G2–selected on the basis of the presence or absence of OS in the medical history stage. After audiological evaluation, 2 subgroups were identified: G1.1 and G1.2.ResultsOS were observed in 36.18% (G1). In 48 patients (53.93%), the audiological evaluation found there was no impairment of the organ of hearing (G1.2). Audiological abnormalities were found in 46.07% (n=41) of the patients (G1.1). The OS which differentiated the 2 groups were a plugging sensation as well as otalgia (more frequent in group G1.2) and hearing impairment (more frequent in group G1.1).Conclusions1. The OS which most frequently accompany with TMD were fullness and otalgia. 2. It is recommended that a subjective assessment of hearing loss in patients with TMD and concomitant OS should be included in the medical history stage. 3. Clicking and popping are significantly more frequent in patients without concomitant hearing impairment.

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Background.As ultrasonography provides objective parameters and values, it is a reliable method of examining the structure and dimensions of the masseter muscle. Although the method is well known, there is no standardization in clinical examination and data analysis yet.Objectives. The study aimed to measure masseter muscle thickness in designated areas to establish the most repeatable and clinically applicable method of ultrasound examination, and to assess differences in measurements in designated areas for clinical purposes by devising the size-independent parameter. The size-independent parameter may potentially be more clinically applicable than distance records, which are affected by the size of the subject. Materials and methods.An ultrasound examination of 124 masseter muscles was performed. Axial examination in 3 horizontal regions (lower, middle and upper) and coronal examination in 2 vertical regions (proximal and distal) was carried out. Masseter muscle thickness was measured in every designated area when relaxed (muscle at rest (RMT)) and with clenched teeth (contracted muscle (CMT)). A morphological independent functional index of thickness difference (FITD) was calculated.Results. The study revealed very high statistical differences between RMT and CMT (p < 0.0001) in all designated areas but with location variations. Masseter muscle thickness significantly differed depending on the examined area and transducer projection.Conclusions. The ultrasound study showed that masseter muscle thickness significantly differs depending on the examined area. The authors emphasize the necessity to examine the masseter muscle in specified areas with both coronal and axial projections to achieve objective and repeatable examination. Notable clinical value is assigned to FITD, which is independent from the morphological dimensions of the muscle.

Background Chronic stress is one of the leading predisposing factors in bruxism aetiology, but the influence of genetic factors is also suggested. We aimed to study whether sequence variants in genes involved in stress regulation pathways: NTRK2 and BDNF, may be associated with awake bruxism susceptibility, clinical presentation, and patients’ perceived stress level. Methods The study group included 104 patients with probable awake bruxism and 191 population controls. Patients underwent dental examination concerning the symptoms of bruxism and psychological testing. Genotyping was performed using HRMA and sequencing. Statistical analyses were conducted, and P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results We observed a positive correlation of measured stress level and pathological teeth attrition in the anterior segment (r = 0.45, P < 0.001), enamel attritions (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), tongue impressions (r = 0.50, P < 0.001) and posterior teeth attrition (r = 0.27, P = 0.005). Moreover, the c.196A variant (p.66Met) of the BDNF gene and c.1397-31392G allele of the NTRK2 gene were present with elevated frequency, comparing to controls. Conclusions This study hence the thesis that perceived stress level is a substantial contributing factor to awake bruxism occurrence and its clinical manifestations. Moreover, sequence variants in genes related to stress coping may be correlated with awake bruxism’s susceptibility via elevated perceived stress level.