Possible sleep bruxism, circadian preference, and sleep-related characteristics and behaviors among dental students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sleep bruxism prevalence and its association with circadian preference and sleep-related characteristics among dental students.

METHODS: Dental students of the Federal University of Minas Gerais participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants answered a scale assessing individuals' circadian preference, and a questionnaire regarding sleep-related characteristics and behaviors, history of muscle ache in the temporomandibular area, and history of bruxism.

RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two students participated in the study. Sleep bruxism was reported by 11.3%. Most students (63.2%) were classified as intermediary, 34.9% as morningness, and 1.3% as eveningness. Individuals who reported muscle ache in the temporomandibular area in the morning (PR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.1-11.5) were more likely to be in the group with sleep bruxism.

CONCLUSION: Muscle ache in the temporomandibular area is an important associated factor with sleep bruxism among dental students. Special attention should be paid to dental students' circadian preference.