Prevalence of Awake and Sleep Bruxism in Israel Under Conditions of Collective Stress and Influential Factors

Bruxism is a masticatory muscle activity that can occur during sleep or wakefulness. Awake bruxism is often associated with psychosocial stress and conscious behaviours, while sleep bruxism is considered with a dominant central origin. Each entity has different clinical features, aetiologies, and therapeutic implications. The 7 October events in Israel marked a period of intense national distress, affecting large portions of the population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of awake bruxism (AB) and sleep bruxism (SB) among individuals exposed to varying degrees of effect.

A total of 511 participants completed an online survey between December 2023 and April 2024. The survey included the following questionnaires: BruxScreen-Q (to assess AB and SB), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Participants were grouped according to displacement status, proximity to the conflict zone, and degree of personal impact. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and logistic regression, were performed to identify associations between bruxism and psychological factors.

The prevalence of AB was significantly higher among females (74.3%, P < .001), displaced respondents (52.5%, P = .046), and individuals present in the Gaza-border communities during the attacks (59.6%, P = .006). Regression analyses confirmed that anxiety (P = .001) and depression (P < .001) were significant predictors of AB. SB prevalence was higher among nondisplaced individuals (43.8% P < .032).

Phycological variables (anxiety and depression), and moderating situational factors, have a significant role in predicting AB. The findings underscore the need for further research on long-term psychological and physiological effects.

This study reinforces the link between psychological stress and AB. Dental professionals should consider recent trauma and emotional distress as potential contributing factors when diagnosing and managing bruxism.