Investigation of Masseter Muscle Thickness in Individuals With and Without Bruxism: An Ultrasonographic Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between bruxism and masseter muscle thickness, as measured by ultrasonography, in university students.Materials and Methods: This analytical observational case-control study included 48 students (mean age, 21.19 ± 0.61 years). Participants were classified into two groups based on a validated questionnaire and clinical examination: 24 with bruxism and 24 without bruxism. Bruxism was assessed using the Winocour questionnaire, while masseter muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography under both relaxation and contraction conditions. Differences between the groups were analyzed using an independent t-test.Results: Individuals with bruxism exhibited significantly greater masseter muscle thickness than non-bruxers, particularly during contraction (p < 0.05). Additionally, men consistently exhibited greater muscle thickness than women in both groups.Conclusion: These findings indicate that bruxism is associated with hypertrophic changes in the masseter muscle and support the use of ultrasonography as a noninvasive method to detect muscle adaptations associated with parafunctional activities.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint