Some subjective-experiential parameters of experimental tooth clenching in children

Twelve children, aged 9--14 years, exercised maximal voluntary tooth clenching until facial pains were experienced and could no longer be endured. The pains were localized in the masseter and temporalis muscles and, occasionally, in the supra-orbital region. After onset of clenching pains appeared, on average, in 49 s (pain threshold) and they could, on average, be endured for 118 s (pain tolerance). The pain threshold varied significantly between individuals, but not within individuals. The number of pain sites, and the number of teeth in contact during clenching, did not determine the moment of onset of pains, nor the ability to endure pains. The pain tolerance did not seem to be influenced by the pain threshold.