Bruxism Induced by Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep bruxism, and temporomandibular disorders is becoming clearer, but data on how upper airway volume affects bruxism due to OSA is limited. Recent studies have shown that Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) accurately images the upper airway, enabling analysis of its volume and its potential impact on bruxism. CBCT uses low radiation doses, significantly lower than harmful levels, making it a safe method for such assessments. Understanding these relationships can inform clinical practices for managing sleep bruxism, which affects 21% of the global population. The study aims to explore how upper airway volume influences the intensity of sleep bruxism related to OSA.

Inclusion Criteria: * age equal to/greater than 18 years * moderate or high risk of sleep apnea according to the STOP-Bang questionnaire * presence of bruxism symptoms in the oral cavity according to the current international consensus on bruxism * positive history of bruxism during sleep Exclusion Criteria: * refusal to participate in the study * pregnancy * breastfeeding * presence of severe mental illness * alcohol and/or drug addiction * taking medications that affect the neuromuscular and/or respiratory systems * severe systemic diseases such as cancer * severe neurological and autoimmune diseases * multiple missing teeth * edentulism in the upper and/or lower jaw