Assessment of pain location according to different types of bruxism

This study aimed to assess the influence of bruxism types and frequencies on pain localisation in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

The study participants included 100 TMD patients. Participants consented to undergo clinical evaluations based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Assessment Instruments Protocol (DC/TMD). Pain was determined by palpating the temporal and masseter muscles and the temporomandibular junction (TMJ). The oral behavior checklist (OBC) was used in DC/TMD to assess participants' risk for parafunctional movements and types of bruxism. The parafunctional risk assessment was performed with the assessment method reported by The International Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Consortium Network.

Most participants are at high risk for parafunction. There was a statistically significant relationship between masseter, temporal and TMJ pain and parafunctional movements (p < 0.05). Masseter pain on palpation showed significant relationships with sleep bruxism and awake grinding frequency (p < 0.05). Temporal muscle pain on palpation showed significant relationships with the presence and frequency of awake clenching (p < 0.05). A significant correlation exists between TMJ pain on palpation and awake grinding and clenching and with awake clenching frequence (p < 0.05).

Based on their frequency and presence, different types of bruxism may be associated with different pain symptoms.