Is there any association between sleep bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction?

A study was conducted to answer the question, “Is there any association between sleep disorder and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) in adults?”

In the literature search, 3425 articles were found. After the exclusion of duplicates, 2752 were selected for reading the title and abstract, of which 26 were read in full, and 18 met eligibility criteria.

Based on a systematic review of 18 clinical studies (with mostly low risk of bias), the authors reported that the association between sleep bruxism and the development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) in adults is unclear owing to conflicting results. However, positive associations exist between TMD and the following conditions: obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, and gastroesophageal reflux.

At this moment, the association of sleep bruxism with TMD is unclear; however, a host of other conditions show a positive association with TMD. The results point toward the importance of comprehensive patient examination and interdisciplinary care in the effective management of TMD.

The association of sleep bruxism with TMD is controversial. While, for obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, snoring, and gastroesophageal reflux, the analyzed studies showed a positive association.

Reference:

Amanda Tereza Pala Mendes, Juliana Dias Corpa Tardelli, André Luís Botelho & Andréa Cândido Dos Reis (2022) Is there any association between sleep disorder and temporomandibular joint dysfunction in adults? – A systematic review, CRANIO®, DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2022.2154022

Keywords:

Amanda Tereza Pala Mendes, Juliana Dias Corpa Tardelli, André Luís Botelho & Andréa Cândido Dos Reis, association, between, sleep, disorder, temporomandibular, joint, dysfunction, adults, The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice