Diurnal Bruxism Research Articles

Oral behavioral patterns in facial pain, headache and non-headache populations

Patterns of oral behavior have been suggested as factors leading to head and facial pain. The present study evaluated the frequency with which certain oral habits were self-reported by five groups of Ss: Facial Pain. Tension Headache, Migraine Headache, Combined Migraine and Tension Headache and No Pain. Four oral behavior patterns were found to be significantly different among groups. These were diurnal bruxism. thrusting the jaw forward, cupping the chin in the hand and resting the hand on the side of the face. When Ss were reclassified into those reporting no facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, or a combination of TMJ and jaw muscle pain, the variables of diurnal bruxism and resting the hand on the side of the face were found to predict significantly both pain groups. However, the resting the hand factor was negatively weighted for the TMJ Pain group only. One other factor, nocturnal bruxism. was found to be self-reported at a significantly higher frequency in the Combined Facial Pain group compared to the No Facial Pain and TMJ Pain groups. Discussion focuses on the implications of the present findings on research in the facial pain and headache areas.

Stress and Bruxism: A Critical Review and Report of Cases

A critical review is presented of the relationship of stress to bruxism. The review is divided into the following sections: terminology, diagnosis, incidence, etiology, and therapy. Two case reports of subjects in which hypnosis and meditation were used for therapy are given. In regard to the studies, most of them were either uncontrolled or poorly controlled. Nevertheless, it is apparent that stress is etiologically implicated in the onset and maintenance of bruxism. Of the three types of bruxism, acute bruxism is the least deleterious, being situationally-related and short-lived. Nocturnal bruxism is predominantly of the auditory, grinding type. Although it is related to occlusal interferences, stress exacerbates the condition. Diurnal bruxism is usually considered to be of the silent, clenching type. It is generally reported to be stress-initiated and maintained. Indications are that relaxation therapy is effective in the amelioration of all types of bruxism. Future, well-designed and controll...

Self-monitoring in the treatment of diurnal bruxism

Although a variety of techniques have positive effects for the control of nocturnal bruxism, behavioral management of diurnal bruxism has been relatively neglected. This case of a 33-year-old woman with long term bruxism showed rapid control of daytime teeth clenching using a self-monitoring procedure. The self-report was supported by decreased masseter muscle tension.