Prevalence of Bruxism Among Young Adult Energy Drink Consumers in Jordan

Background/Objectives: This study examined the association between energy drink consumption and self-reported bruxism behaviors and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain among young adults in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was distributed to young adults aged 18-30. After applying predefined exclusion criteria, the analytic sample for the TMD-related analyses comprised n = 1373 participants. The questionnaire captured demographics, frequency and duration of energy drink consumption, self-reported bruxism behaviours (clenching, grinding, bracing, thrusting), TMJ pain symptoms adapted from DC/TMD screening items, and psychological stress measured by the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Questionnaire reliability was assessed in a pilot (n = 20) using Cohen's Kappa. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression (adjusting for age, sex, smoking and stress) were used to evaluate associations. Results: Among participants, 309 (22.5%) reported daily energy drink use. Self-reported bruxism behaviors were present in 19.4% (n = 60) of consumers, with an additional 26.9% suspecting these behaviors. TMJ pain on awakening was reported by 41.1% (n = 127) of consumers. Energy drink consumption was significantly associated with higher odds of self-reported bruxism behaviors (χ² = 115.6, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, daily consumption remained independently associated with bruxism (adjusted OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3-2.7; p = 0.001). Higher consumption frequency was also linked to an increased number of oral health symptoms. Conclusions: after adjusting for key confounders, energy drink consumption was associated with greater prevalence of self-reported bruxism behaviors and TMJ pain among young Jordanian adults. These findings emphasize the potential oral health risks of habitual energy drink use and underscore the need for targeted education and preventive strategies in this population.