The relationship between bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction as shown by computer analysis of nocturnal tooth contact patterns.
Whilst there are many causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, one of the most frequently encountered is bruxism. The two conditions have many aetiological factors in common and there is a rational physiological reason why bruxism could cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In fact, experimental bruxism performed under laboratory conditions has been found to cause such joint dysfunction. This contention is supported by direct measurements of nocturnal tooth contact. Patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction were found to differ from control subjects to a degree which was statistically significant.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002012:Bruxism / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003201:Computers; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014070:Tooth / Q000503:physiopathology*