Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: Assessment and Clinical Insights

Dear Colleagues,

Bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are common clinical conditions affecting the masticatory system and are frequently associated with pain, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Both conditions are characterized by complex and multifactorial etiologies, involving biomechanical, neuromuscular, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Despite growing scientific interest and advances in research, their assessment and clinical management remain challenging due to heterogeneous diagnostic criteria, variable assessment tools, and inconsistent therapeutic approaches.

Recent developments in clinical diagnostics, instrumental assessment, imaging techniques, and interdisciplinary treatment strategies have contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of bruxism and TMDs. However, the translation of these advances into standardized and evidence-based clinical practice is still limited. A clearer integration of assessment methods with clinically meaningful outcomes is needed to improve patient care.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine aims to provide an updated overview of current research and clinical insights related to bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, with particular emphasis on assessment strategies and their relevance to clinical decision-making. Contributions that bridge the gap between research findings and everyday clinical practice are especially encouraged.

Scope of the Special Issue

We welcome original research articles, narrative reviews, and clinically oriented studies addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Current concepts, definitions, and classifications of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders;
• Clinical assessment and diagnostic approaches for bruxism and TMDs;
• Patient-reported outcomes and functional measures in TMD-related conditions;
• Instrumental and imaging-based assessment methods and their clinical applicability;
• Associations between bruxism, occlusion, temporomandibular joint function, and musculoskeletal pain;
• Conservative and non-invasive treatment approaches in clinical practice;
• Interdisciplinary management strategies involving dentistry, medicine, physiotherapy, and psychology;
• Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions in assessment and treatment;
• Digital health tools, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence in the assessment and monitoring of bruxism and TMDs;
• Prognostic factors and longitudinal assessment of symptom progression and treatment response.

Prof. Dr. Aneta Wieczorek
Guest Editor

Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Kulesa-Mrowiecka
Dr. Michał Ginszt
Co-Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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