Background: This study evaluates the effect of periodontitis on masticatory performance and quality of life index.Methods: Patients (n = 24; 23 to 76 years of age) with periodontal conditions ranging from healthy to generalized disease categorized by the alveolar bone height–to–tooth length (AB/T) ratio were separated into the following two groups: control (AB/T >50%) and test (AB/T <50%). The masticatory performance was evaluated through continuous mastication of a special device called a biocapsule. The Brazilian Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14Br) questionnaire was used to assess the oral health–related quality of life. The Student t test was applied for independent samples (P <0.05) to evaluate the masticatory performance, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used to determine quality of life (P <0.05)Results: There was a statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency between groups (P = 0.006). Statistically significant differences were also observed in the following parameters: 1) physical pain (P = 0.003); 2) psychologic discomfort (P = 0.008); 3) physical disability (P = 0.033); and 4) OHIP‐14Br total score (P = 0.001). The control group achieved the best indicators. Both the masticatory performance and quality of life indicators showed significant correlation with the alveolar bone height.Conclusion: The loss of periodontal supporting structures has negative effects on the masticatory performance and quality of life.

To evaluate the diagnostic capability of signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism (SB) as per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria and a diagnostic grading system proposed by international experts for assessing SB. The study was conducted in three phases (interview, physical examination, and sleep studies). Subjects were asked about self-reported tooth grinding sounds occurring during sleep, muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, jaw muscle pain, and jaw locking. A visual examination was conducted to check for presence of abnormal tooth wear. A full-night polysomnography (PSG) was performed. After three phases, the subjects were divided into two groups matched by age and gender: Case Group, 45 SB subjects, and Control Group, 45 non-SB subjects. Diagnostic accuracy measurements were calculated for each sign or symptom individually and for the two diagnostic criteria analyzed. Muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, and AASM criteria were associated with highest sensitivity (78%, 67%, 58%, respectively) and also with highest diagnostic odds ratio (OR = 9.63, 9.25, 6.33, respectively). Jaw locking, muscle pain, and the criterion of "probable SB" were associated with the worst sensitivity (16%, 18%, 22%, respectively). Presence of muscle fatigue and temporal headaches can be considered good tools to screen SB patients. None of the diagnostic criteria evaluated was able to accurately identify patients with SB. AASM criteria had the strongest diagnostic capabilities and--although they do not attain diagnostic values high enough to replace the current gold standard (PSG)--should be used as a screening tool to identify SB.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of sleep bruxism (SB) on electromyography (EMG) activity and the thickness of the masseter and temporal and maximal molar bite force. Method: Ninety individuals, aged between 18 and 45 years, were selected and divided into two groups: Group I (case group, 45 individuals with SB) and Group II (control group, 45 individuals without SB). A diagnosis of SB was made from polysomnography. Results: The data obtained from EMG and the muscle thickness and the maximal molar bite force were tabulated (SPSS 21.0), normalized, and subjected to statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Comparisons between the groups showed significant differences regarding the habitual chewing of hard food for the left temporalis muscle (p = 0.04) and the chewing of soft food for the right masseter muscle (p = 0.04), but no significant differences for the measurements of muscle thickness and maximal molar bite force. Discussion: The present data suggest that SB negatively altered the masticatory muscles’ functions. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that individuals with SB showed decreased EMG activity in the masticatory muscles.