Evaluation of Intensity of Sleep Bruxism in Arterial Hypertension

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a masticatory muscle activity during sleep that is characterized as rhythmic (phasic) or non-rhythmic (tonic). The recent hypothesis on the etiology of SB supports the role of the central and autonomic nervous systems. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the intensity of SB in patients with arterial hypertension. A total of 70 adults participated in this study: 35 patients with hypertension (study group) and 35 normotensive subjects (control group). Data were recorded using home portable cardiorespiratory polygraphy. The bruxism episode index (BEI) in the study group was found to be significantly higher compared to the control group (3.4 +/- 3.25 vs. 2.35 +/- 2.29, p = 0.04). Hypertension, higher body mass index (BMI), lower values of mean oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and a higher percentage of SpO(2) < 90% constituted independent risk factors for increased BEI. These results suggest the need for special oral care in hypertensive patients, patients with higher BMI, lower values of SpO(2) and a higher percentage of SpO(2) < 90%.