Current Methods of Bruxism Diagnosis: A Short Communication

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the current diagnostic methods for sleep bruxism (SB).

Materials and methods: This review of the literature evaluates all available instrumental and noninstrumental methods of bruxism/SB diagnosis.

Results: SB diagnosis can be performed using self-reports and clinical examination, but these methods have little agreement with polysomnography. Two portable electromyography/electrocardiography appliances have been validated against polysomnography (BiteStrip and Bruxoff), but they are indicated only for primary SB. Polysomnography is considered the gold standard and is indicated for secondary SB; however, it is expensive and time-consuming.

Conclusion: No perfect method of SB diagnosis exists, and future research should concentrate on improving SB self-reports.