An Investigation of Prevalence, Awareness, and Oral Findings of Bruxism in Students at the Faculty of Dentistry

Abstract

Background: The present study investigated the prevalence, awareness, and oral findings of bruxism in dental students and the relationship between social factors and perceived stress.

Methods: A total of 118 students (74 females, 44 males) aged between 18 and 29 years studying at the Faculty of Dentistry, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, were included in this study.

The students were asked to complete a questionnaire composed of demographic and bruxism- related items. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index was used to determine the extent of wear of the teeth, and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to understand the stress levels of the students.

Results: The rate of bruxism awareness and actual occurrence of bruxism was 27.12% and 31.3%, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the BEWE scores and the father’s education level, family structure, teeth clenching habit, and pain in the joint area and face (P < .05). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference between perceived stress and family income, family disciplinary status, noise from the jaw joint, pain in the teeth, joints, and facial area, and teeth clenching habit, and these complaints affected the quality of life (P < .05).

Conclusion: Bruxism was found to be prevalent among the dental students who participated in this study. It should be taken into consideration that the presence of bruxism may be associated with elevated stress levels and higher BEWE scores.

Cite this article as: Öğün A, Tunç H. An investigation of prevalence, awareness, and oral findings of bruxism in students at the faculty of dentistry. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0028, doi:10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25028.