ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT SOUNDS AND BRUXISM

Abstract

Aim of the study: The study aims to assess the possible relationship between bruxism and TMJ sounds. Material and methods: The relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and bruxism was evaluated in a sample composed of 62 females and 39 males varied in age from 21 to 56 years with a mean age of 40.0±1.07. The participants were informed about the purpose of this study, and they gave their consent. The main methods we used in registering TMJ sound were palpation and auscultation. A self-administered Bruxism Assessment Questionnaire assessed bruxism. Results: The prevalence of bruxism in study group was 60.39% (n = 61) – sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB) were 38.2% and 23.4%, respectively. A total of 53.47% (n = 54) of the sample exhibited some type of clicking joint sound. Chi-square test for independence (with Yates Continuity Correction) indicated significant association between bruxism and TMJ sounds, χ2 (1, n = 101) = 4.183, p = .046, phi = .28. Conclusions: Biomechanical factors seem to play a significant role in TMJ disk displacement development. Based on the research, it should be concluded that bruxism may be associated with joint pathologies, such as disc displacement and joint noises.

Keywords

• bruxism
• disc displacement
• teeth grinding
• temporomandibular disorders
• tmj sounds