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.
Keywords: Sleep bruxism; masticatory muscle activity; myofascial pain; polysomnography; temporomandibular disorders.