The effect of bruxism on periodontal sensation in the molar region: A pilot study

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The effect of bruxism on periodontal sensation in the molar region: A pilot study

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Volume 98, Issue 1, July 2007, Pages 30-35

Takeshi Suganuma DDS, PhD, a , Yasuhiro Ono DDS, b, Akiyuki Shinya DDS, PhD, c and Ryoichi Furuya DDS, PhD, d
a Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
b Graduate student, Department of Prosthodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
c Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
d Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan

Statement of problem
Periodontal sensation in individuals with bruxism may differ from that in nonbruxers, as excessive amounts of occlusal force may be applied to the teeth during the night. However, this concept is not adequately addressed in the literature.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bruxism on periodontal sensation in the molar region.

Material and methods
Fourteen dental school faculty and students lacking objective or subjective abnormalities of stomatognathic function were divided into 2 groups representing nonbruxers (n=7) and bruxers (n=7). Bruxism was confirmed based on the nocturnal electromyography activities of the masseter muscle. Periodontal sensation was assessed based on interocclusal tactile threshold, which refers to the minimal thickness that can be detected between the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Interocclusal tactile threshold was measured in the first molar region each for the left and right sides by placing variable thicknesses of metal foil and recording the threshold twice daily (morning and afternoon) on 3 separate days. Multivariate ANOVA was performed for bruxism (with or without) as a between-subjects effect, and time of day (morning and afternoon) and side (left and right) as within-subjects effects (?=.05)

Results
Multivariate ANOVA revealed no significant differences in interocclusal tactile threshold between morning and afternoon or between the left and right sides in either group. The mean (SD) interocclusal tactile threshold for the bruxers was 17.1 (3.9) œm, while that for the nonbruxers was significantly greater at 29.9(5.6) œm (P<.001).

Conclusions
The periodontal sensation in bruxers was increased compared to nonbruxers.

Supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (No.16591967), the ÏHigh-Tech Research CenterÓ Project for Private Universities, and a matching fund subsidy from MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), 2005-2009.
Corresponding author: Dr Takeshi Suganuma Department of Prosthodontics Showa University School of Dentistry 2-1-1, Kitasenzoku Ohta-ku, Tokyo JAPAN 145-8515 Fax: 81-3-3784-7603

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