Polysomnographic characteristics of sleep-related bruxism: What are the determinant factors for temporomandibular disorders?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and polysomnographic characteristics of sleep bruxism (SB) and delineate the determinant factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS: Forty-six patients were allocated into the SB group (n = 26) and control group (n = 20). The signs and symptoms of TMD were recorded using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Patients underwent a full-night polysomnographic recording and masseter and temporal muscle electromyographic recordings. Clinical and polysomnographic data in patients with SB were analyzed in relation to TMD. RESULTS: The presence of TMJ sounds was significantly correlated with the number of bruxism bursts. Intra-articular pain in the TMJ was neither correlated with clinical nor polysomnographic parameters in patients with SB. CONCLUSION: Lower sleep efficiency in patients with SB was caused by a higher number of bruxism episodes. Morning headaches were associated with the severity of SB during rapid eye movement sleep.