Bruxism-Related Vibrational Patterns Assessed by Joint Vibration Analysis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Features.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Bruxism involves involuntary jaw activities like clenching or grinding, linked to changes in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) vibrations, but its independent role is debated. This study used joint vibration analysis (JVA), a non-invasive method, to analyse TMJ vibrations in individuals with potential bruxism.

METHODS

Adults (N = 195), aged 18-45, were included in this retrospective study divided into two groups: those with possible bruxism and TMD features (n = 175) and asymptomatic controls (n = 20). The classification was based on clinical examination and self-report, without differentiating sleep and awake bruxism. TMJ function was evaluated with JVA, assessing peak frequency, median frequency, vibration amplitude, and vibrational energy. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman correlation and regression (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Participants with possible bruxism showed higher peak frequency (42.3 ± 5.6 Hz vs. 38.7 ± 4.2 Hz, p = 0.023), median frequency (28.9 ± 4.8 Hz vs. 25.6 ± 3.9 Hz, p = 0.015), vibration amplitude (6.5 ± 1.2 mm/s vs. 4.9 ± 1.0 mm/s, p < 0.001) and vibrational energy (12.7 ± 3.4 μJ vs. 9.2 ± 2.8 μJ, p < 0.001) than controls. Bruxism severity correlated with higher JVA parameters, explaining about 35% of the variance in vibration amplitude and 30% in energy (p < 0.001). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (Cohen's d = 0.73-1.35). These results reflect patterns in a mixed bruxism-TMD group, not bruxism-specific effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show higher TMJ vibrational parameters in those possibly bruxing, many with TMD features. JVA helps characterise TMJ patterns but should not be used alone for bruxism diagnosis without imaging or TMD controls.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov.tr: NCT07070141.