Maladaptive coping strategies in patients with bruxism compared to non-bruxing controls.
BACKGROUND
Sleep bruxism is the non-functional grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. It may lead to tooth damage and myofascial pain. Although stress is discussed as a main causal agent, there is a lack of studies concerning coping strategies in patients with sleep bruxism.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether bruxers, compared to non-bruxing individuals, apply maladaptive coping strategies.


METHODS
Seventy-five sleep bruxers and 38 non-bruxers were selected by dental examination and tested by a German coping questionnaire (SVF78).


RESULTS
A significant difference in positive coping strategies was observed between the two groups. Bruxers reported less positive coping strategies, mainly less "reaction control" and "positive self-instructions." In general, males reported less negative coping strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
The reported effects demonstrate a deficit of functional coping strategies in bruxers, whereas strategies that enhance stress do not seem to be associated with sleep bruxism. Findings do not admit the conclusion that there is a causal association of maladaptive coping and bruxism. However, they support the approach of a multidisciplinary therapy involving psychological treatment.
Schneider
Christine
C
Clinical Institute of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany. christine.schneider@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Schaefer
Ralf
R
Ommerborn
Michelle A
MA
Giraki
Maria
M
Goertz
Alexandra
A
Raab
Wolfgang H-M
WH
Franz
Matthias
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality; D020186:Sleep Bruxism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*