Bruxism among young adults (18-30 years) in Albania. A Case Study Analysis

Introduction: Various pathologies impact the stomatognathic apparatus and are affected by various pathologies, which affect both the dental system and the mastication muscles. A pathology with a high incidence is clenching of the teeth and jaws. The manifestation of this phenomenon is known as "Bruxism", usually linked with the stressful life that humanity is going through. The diagnosis of bruxism is made based on a previously defined protocol that includes anamnesis of disease, extra-intra oral examination, polysomnography. The bruxism can be managed following several procedures: psychological treatment through a psychologist and autosuggestion, drug treatment, and prosthetic treatment through relaxing splints. The aim of the study is to investigate the presence of Bruxism among young adults aged 18-30 years in Albania. Material and method This study adopts a cross-sectional approach, which encompasses obtaining specific information and advantages at a certain point in time regarding the presence of bruxism and dysfunctional disorders of the TMJ system. about a total of 762 subjects of the age group 18-30 years were interviewed and have completed the questionnaire, during the period October 2022-December 2023. Result and conclusion Out of 762 examined patients (students), approximately 32.3% were identified with bruxism. The results of the study showed that the majority of cases involved in our study, approximately 74,4% were female. The results of the study showed a statistically significant relationship between age and the presence of muscle pain (prevalence ofp=0.008, and the presence of ATM pain for subjects involved in our study (prevalence of p=0.008), as well as between age and the presence of bruxism at the subjects study (prevalence ofp=0.006).