Association between rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep and masticatory myofascial pain: a polysomnographic study
Rossetti, L.Maria.Nunes.; Pereira de Araujo, C.Dos.Reis.; Rossetti, P.Henrique.Orlato.; Conti, P.César.Rodrigues.
Journal of Orofacial Pain 22(3): 190-200
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1064-6655 PMID: 18780532 Document Number: 624858
Aims: To test for an association between rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep, as assessed according to polysomnographic criteria for sleep bruxism (RMMA-SB), and myofascial pain (MFP), as well as the chance of occurrence of MFP in patients with RMMA-SB. Methods: Thirty MFP patients (diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) and 30 age- and gender-matcbed asymptomatic controls underwent a polysomnographic examination. Also, any self-reporting of daytime clenching (DC) was registered in 58 of these subjects. Results: Most MFP patients reported mild or moderate pain (46.67% and 43.33%, respectively), and only 3 (10%) reported severe pain. Pain duration ranged from 2 to 120 months (mean 34.67 +/- 36.96 months). Significant associations were observed between RMMA-SB and MFP as well as between DC and MFP. Conclusions: (1) RMMA-SB is significantly associated with MFP; (2) although RMMA-SB represents a risk factor for MFP, this risk is low; and (3) DC probably constitutes a stronger risk factor for MFP than RMMA-SB.