Bruxism Influences Quality of Life and Sleep Without Impairing Mastication

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), sleep quality and masticatory efficiency (ME) in subjects with and without sleep bruxism (SB).
Methods: Participants of both genders were selected and assigned to two groups: with (n = 30, mean age = 30,5 ± 6,03) and without SB (control, n = 30, mean age = 25,9 ± 3,17). SB was first diagnosed by clinical examination and after by using an electromyography and electrocardiograph portable device. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Sleep quality was assessed by applying the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESE) was used to verify the excessive daily sleepiness. ME was evaluated by chewing an artificial test material (Optosil^â) using a sieving method, and it was calculated considering the percentage of the retained particles beyond the 2.8 mm sieve mesh. Data were analyzed by ANOVA one-factor, considering a significance level of 5%.
Results: Participants with SB showed greater values of OHRQoL than controls (P < 0.05), indicating that their quality of life was worst. Although subjects from both groups were considered as bad sleepers, bruxers presented the highest PSQI scores (P < 0.05). Besides, bruxers also showed an excessive daytime sleepiness (P < 0.05), as accessed by ESE. ME was similar in both groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Sleep bruxism impairs OHRQoL and sleep quality, however, mastication is not affected by this parafunction.