Probable awake bruxism - prevalence and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of masticatory muscles, characterized by the clenching or grinding of the teeth, which can occur during wakefulness (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of awake bruxism and its associated factors. Methods: Sample was composed by 50 participants of both genders, aged between 18 and 60 years, submitted to a clinical examination - to observe the presence of tooth wear, marks on the mucosa, or masseter muscles hypertrophy - and self-applied questionnaires, which evaluated the presence of TMD signs and symptoms, oral behaviors, lifestyles, anxiety level and sleep quality. Results: The prevalence of awake bruxism was 48%. Its presence was statistically and significantly associated with the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD (p=0.002), poor sleep quality (p=0.032), buccal mucosa indentations (p