Prevalence of bruxism and its association with dental malocclusion, condyle shape, and impaction

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the associations between bruxism and impacted mandibular third molars, as well as various malocclusion types and condylar shapes among patients seeking dental care at King Khalid University Dental Hospital. A cross-sectional study design was employed between September 2024 and January 2025. Of the 400 patients screened, 95 had bruxism. Clinical examination and panoramic radiographs were used to assess malocclusion, impacted third molars, and condyle shape. Logistic regression was performed to examine these associations, adjusting for age and sex. The prevalence of bruxism among the sample screened was approximately 23.8%. The median age was 38 years (interquartile range, 28–49 years), and 43.16% of the bruxers were male. Class I malocclusion was the most frequently observed occlusal pattern among bruxers (84.21%), reported descriptively without a between-group comparison. Bruxers had significantly lower odds of third molar impaction (adjusted odds ratio = 0.46; P = .013). Condylar shape distributions were similar between groups, with the only exception being a higher frequency of the “angled” morphology among non-bruxers (14.21% vs 4.74%), which we consider an observation requiring confirmation with 3-dimensional imaging. No statistically significant differences in stress, dental attrition, or masticatory muscle complaints were found between those with awake bruxism and those with sleep bruxism. In this clinic-based cohort, Class I was the most frequently observed occlusal relationship among bruxers, consistent with its background prevalence in the general population; no between-group comparison of malocclusion class was performed. Individuals with bruxism had significantly lower odds of having impacted mandibular third molars, and the angled condylar shape was more prevalent among non-bruxers. These findings offer insight into the multifactorial nature of bruxism and underscore the importance of integrating occlusal, radiographic, and behavioral assessments in its management.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Medicine, 2026 · DOI ↗