Association of probable bruxism with periodontal status: A cross-sectional study in patients seeking periodontal care

Abstract

Objective The goals of this study were to investigate the prevalence of probable bruxism in a group of patients seeking a periodontal care and the association between probable bruxism and periodontal status.

Background The results of previous studies evaluating the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis are contradictory. In addition, the relationship between probable bruxism and periodontitis in adults has not been evaluated, yet. Therefore, new studies are required in this field to clarify the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis.

Methods Patients seeking periodontal care at a university periodontology unit were considered in this study. Their periodontal diagnosis, number of missing teeth, presence of probable bruxism, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. The periodontal status of each study participant was defined according to the latest consensus of the American Association of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology, and the 2018 consensus report on the assessment of bruxism was used to evaluate probable bruxism. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of bruxism on periodontitis.

Results A total of 541 patients (289 females and 252 males, mean age 42.1 +/- 15.9 years) were enrolled in the present study. The prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6%. Additionally, 40.9% of the study population was diagnosed with periodontitis. The probable bruxers were older (P < 0.001), had a higher number of missing teeth (P < 0.001), and had poor periodontal status (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that probable bruxism was associated with periodontitis, after adjusting relevant factors (odds ratio: 2.243, 95% CI: 1.465-3.434, P < 0.001).

Conclusions It was observed that the prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6% and probable bruxers showed higher odds of periodontitis. Future studies with prospective randomized design should be conducted to confirm these results among a larger study population.