Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Advances and Future Challenges

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 3956

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Sports Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: TMDs; TMJ; rehabilitation; craniofacial disorder; masticatory muscles; physiotherapy; electromyography

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Guest Editor
Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
Interests: biomechanics of temporomandibular joint; temporomandibular disorders; tissue engineering; therapeutic ultrasound; clinical orthodontics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our upcoming Special Issue on “Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Advances and Future Challenges”. Bruxism and temporomandibular disorders affect a significant portion of the population. The global prevalence of sleep bruxism is 21%, while awake bruxism affects 23% of individuals. For temporomandibular disorders, the prevalence reaches 34%. These conditions remain a compelling topic for both researchers and clinicians and are characterized by a multifactorial etiology. As such, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to facilitate a quicker diagnosis and appropriate patient treatment. This Special Issue aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding bruxism and temporomandibular disorders and outline future directions for diagnosis and therapy.

Dr. Grzegorz Zieliński
Prof. Dr. Eiji Tanaka
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • TMDs
  • TMJ
  • rehabilitation
  • physiotherapy
  • craniofacial disorder
  • oral health
  • biomechanics
  • masticatory muscles
  • electromyography
  • parafunction
  • nocturnal bruxism
  • tooth contact habit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 234 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Temporomandibular Disorders and Dental Wear in Video Game Players
by Cezar Ionita, Alexandru Eugen Petre, Alexandra Velicu and Adriana Sarah Nica
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010031 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 700
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of video gaming has raised concerns about its potential impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to compare TMD symptoms, mandibular function, and dental wear between gamers and non-gamers among university students. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of video gaming has raised concerns about its potential impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study aims to compare TMD symptoms, mandibular function, and dental wear between gamers and non-gamers among university students. Methods: An observational study included 108 students aged 20 to 23 years, divided into gamers (n = 48) and non-gamers (n = 60). Participants completed questionnaires assessing TMD symptoms, gaming habits, and screen time. Clinical examinations measured mandibular movements, palpation-induced pain, and dental wear using the Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlations, and logistic regression. Seven comprehensive tables present the findings with p-values. Results: Gamers reported significantly higher screen time (Mean = 6.5 h/day) compared to non-gamers (Mean = 4.0 h/day; p < 0.001). Maximum unassisted mouth opening was greater in gamers (Mean = 48.31 mm) than in non-gamers (Mean = 46.33 mm; p = 0.04). Gamers exhibited a higher prevalence of pain on palpation of the masseter muscle (45.8% vs. 30.0%; p = 0.05). Dental wear scores were significantly higher in gamers for teeth 2.3 (upper left canine) and 3.3 (lower left canine) (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between hours spent gaming and maximum mouth opening (r = 0.25; p = 0.01) and dental wear (r = 0.30; p = 0.002). Logistic regression showed that gaming status significantly predicted the presence of TMD symptoms (Odds Ratio = 2.5; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Gamers exhibit greater mandibular opening, increased dental wear, and a higher prevalence of masticatory muscle pain compared to non-gamers. Prolonged gaming may contribute to altered mandibular function and increased risk of TMD symptoms. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and develop preventive strategies. Full article
11 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
Electromyographic Diagnostic Ranges Defining Temporomandibular Disorders and Healthy Individuals’ Results in Functional Clenching Index
by Grzegorz Zieliński and Michał Ginszt
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010014 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 612
Abstract
Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a significant public health issue, among which masticatory muscle pain is the most common. Current publications increasingly indicate surface electromyography (sEMG) as an effective diagnostic tool for muscle dysfunctions that may be employed in TMDs recognition. The [...] Read more.
Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a significant public health issue, among which masticatory muscle pain is the most common. Current publications increasingly indicate surface electromyography (sEMG) as an effective diagnostic tool for muscle dysfunctions that may be employed in TMDs recognition. The objective of this study was to establish reference ranges for TMDs patients with masticatory muscle pain and healthy individuals in the electromyographic Functional Clenching Index (FCI) for the temporalis muscles (TAs) and masseter muscles (MMs). This research aimed to provide an additional diagnostic tool for TMDs patients. Methods: A total of 48 individuals (n = 30 women and n = 18 men) with the muscular painful form of TMDs were recruited alongside a numerically and gender-matched control group—healthy, pain-free controls. The Functional Clenching Indexwas calculated for both groups. Results: Data analysis revealed statistically significant differences with a very large effect size. Healthy individuals had higher FCI scores compared to those with TMDs. The healthy group exhibited higher threshold values compared to the TMDs group. Conclusions: For healthy individuals, the FCI ranges for TAs were between 58 and 145, while for MMs, between 72 and 210. Lower values may indicate muscle activation disorders and occur in patients with the painful, muscular form of TMDs. This is the first study to define reference ranges for electromyographic indices; therefore, caution is recommended, and the replication of this study on a larger and more culturally diverse sample is advised. Full article
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Review

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17 pages, 1199 KiB  
Review
The Importance of Genetic Background and Neurotransmission in the Pathogenesis of the Co-Occurrence of Sleep Bruxism and Sleep-Disordered Breathing—Review of a New Perspective
by Joanna Smardz, Andrej Jenca, Jr. and Sylwia Orzeszek
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7091; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237091 - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Sleep bruxism (SB) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are two prevalent conditions that significantly impact overall health. Studies suggest that up to 49.7% of individuals with SDB also exhibit symptoms of SB. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of [...] Read more.
Sleep bruxism (SB) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are two prevalent conditions that significantly impact overall health. Studies suggest that up to 49.7% of individuals with SDB also exhibit symptoms of SB. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of genetic background and neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of the co-occurrence of SB and SDB. It seeks to synthesize current knowledge, highlight gaps in the existing literature, and propose a new perspective that integrates genetic and neurobiological factors. This review shows that both SB and SDB may be influenced by a combination of genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors that contribute to their shared pathophysiology. The key neurotransmitters—dopamine, serotonin, and GABA—may play a significant role in their co-occurrence by regulating motor activity, sleep architecture, and respiratory control. Understanding genetic and neurochemical mechanisms may allow for more precise diagnostic tools and more personalized treatment approaches regarding SB and SDB. Clinically, there is a need for interdisciplinary collaboration between sleep specialists, dentists, neurologists, and geneticists. There is also a need to conduct large-scale genetic studies, coupled with neuroimaging and neurophysiological research, uncovering additional insights into the shared mechanisms of SB and SDB. Full article
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Other

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12 pages, 1995 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Co-Occurrence of Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients Diagnosed with Tinnitus: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Michał Bury, Kacper Nijakowski, Anna Majewska, Jakub Jankowski, Anna Surdacka and Dorota Hojan-Jezierska
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1836; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061836 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Persistent and distressing tinnitus and TMDs may significantly impair the quality of patients’ lives. Problems are particularly severe for those who experience both. Although the exact causes of this association are not fully understood, several hypotheses connect TMD conditions with otological symptoms. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Persistent and distressing tinnitus and TMDs may significantly impair the quality of patients’ lives. Problems are particularly severe for those who experience both. Although the exact causes of this association are not fully understood, several hypotheses connect TMD conditions with otological symptoms. Methods: The systematic review presented involved records published between 1 January 2004 and 27 November 2024, in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search queries included “temporomandibular disorder” and “tinnitus”. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were predefined according to PECOS. A risk of bias assessment and meta-analyses were performed. The study’s protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024533293). Results: Eleven studies included in this review fulfilled all the predefined criteria. In a sample of 114,071 tinnitus patients, 50.99% (95% CI: 33.31–68.54) also had coexisting TMDs. Furthermore, tinnitus patients had more than 2.2 times higher odds of having TMDs compared to the control group (p = 0.002 for random effects). The absence of data regarding randomisation, blinding, and sample size justification was the most frequent risk of bias. Conclusions: Tinnitus frequently co-occurs in patients who suffer from TMDs. It is essential to expand the diagnostic evaluation of patients to confirm its presence and assess its impact on their quality of life. Additionally, dental consultation should be considered to evaluate patients about TMD signs and symptoms when suffering from tinnitus. Full article
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