Prevalence assessment of bruxism and clenching by considering oral- temporomandibular signs in patients of clinics of Isfahan city

Introduction: As bruxism and clenching are important parafunctional habits that cause disorders in masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and many patients are unaware of these parafunctions, this study was done to evaluate prevalence of these parafunctional habits and oral related signs. Methods and Materials: In this descriptive, analytic and cross-sectional study, 683 patients came to dental clinics in Isfahan were randomly selected and examined. The examination contained evaluation of history of bruxism and clenching and clinical examination for it including physical examination of masticatory muscles and TMJ, oral exam for finding occlusal wear, shining of amalgam fillings, cheek biting, scalloped tongue borders, tooth mobility, and masticatory muscles' hypertrophy. The data was analyzed and χ2 was used. Results: The overall prevalence of bruxism and clenching was 14.6% and 29.3% respectively. 16.8% of females and 12.2% of males had bruxism. The prevalence of clenching had no statistical difference in two genders. In bruxers,, dental wear (55%) and pain of masticatory muscles (53%) were the most prevalent signs. In persons with clenching, dental wear (42%) and temporomandibular joint sound (37.5%) were the most prevalent signs. Conclusion: The prevalence of clenching was more than bruxism. In bruxers, dental wear and pain of masticatory muscles, and in persons with clenching dental wear and temporomandibular joint sound were most prevalent signs. There was a relation between oral signs and bruxism or clenching. By this consideration, more exactly prevalence evaluation of these parafunctional habits were possible. Key words: Bruxism, Clenching, Oral manifestation, Temporomandibular disorders