Masticatory function and oral stereognosis in bruxers

• Published in: Cranio Vol. 37; no. 5; p. 285
• Main Authors: Câmara-Souza, Mariana Barbosa, Figueredo, Olívia Maria Costa, Rodrigues Garcia, Renata Cunha Matheus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 03.09.2019
• Subjects: mastication; Sleep bruxism; stereognosis; tooth wear
• ISSN: 2151-0903
• DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2018.1425234

To compare the mastication and oral sensory function of individuals with and without sleep bruxism. The sample comprised 60 volunteers, of which 30 were bruxers (mean age = 30.5 ± 6.0) and 30 non-bruxers (mean age = 28.6 ± 3.3). Sleep bruxism was clinically diagnosed and confirmed using the Bruxoff® device. Mastication was evaluated according to swallowing threshold and masticatory efficiency. Swallowing threshold was determined from the median particle size of Optosil®, obtained after an individualized number of masticatory cycles, which was first determined by chewing peanuts; masticatory efficiency was estimated by the sieving method. Oral stereognosis test was used to determine the oral sensory function. Variables were compared using one-way ANOVA (  < .05). The median particle size, masticatory efficiency, and oral sensory function did not differ significantly between bruxers and non-bruxers (  > .05). Dentate adults present similar mastication and oral sensory function, despite the presence of sleep bruxism.