# Assessment of pain location according to different types of bruxism

## TL;DR

This study found that different types of bruxism are linked to specific pain locations in people with temporomandibular disorders.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific associations between bruxism types and localized pain in TMD patients.

## Key findings

- Masseter pain is significantly linked to sleep bruxism and awake grinding frequency.
- Temporal muscle pain is significantly associated with awake clenching presence and frequency.
- TMJ pain correlates with awake grinding, clenching, and clenching frequency.

## Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the influence of bruxism types and frequencies on
pain localisation in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: The
study participants included 100 TMD patients. Participants consented to undergo
clinical evaluations based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular
Disorders Assessment Instruments Protocol (DC/TMD). Pain was determined by
palpating the temporal and masseter muscles and the temporomandibular junction
(TMJ). The oral behavior checklist (OBC) was used in DC/TMD to assess participants’ risk for parafunctional movements and types of bruxism. The
parafunctional risk assessment was performed with the assessment method reported
by The International Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders
(RDC/TMD) Consortium Network. Results: Most participants are at high risk for
parafunction. There was a statistically significant relationship between
masseter, temporal and TMJ pain and parafunctional movements (p <
0.05). Masseter pain on palpation showed significant relationships with sleep
bruxism and awake grinding frequency (p < 0.05). Temporal muscle pain
on palpation showed significant relationships with the presence and frequency of
awake clenching (p < 0.05). A significant correlation exists between
TMJ pain on palpation and awake grinding and clenching and with awake clenching
frequence (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on their frequency and presence, different
types of bruxism may be associated with different pain symptoms.