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Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2588-0766
Review

The Impact of Bruxism on Athletic Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abdulmajeed Okshah
1   Department of Allied Dental Health Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
,
Sunil Kumar Vaddamanu
1   Department of Allied Dental Health Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
2   Health and Medical Research Center, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
,
Imran Khalid
3   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
,
Mohammad Zahir Kota
3   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
,
Samuel Ebele Udeabor
3   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
,
Fawaz Abdul Hamid Baig
3   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia (Ringgold ID: RIN48144)
› Author AffiliationsSupported by: Deanship of Scientific Research, King Khalid University RA.KKU/19/45
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Abstract

Bruxism, an involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, is increasingly prevalent among athletes due to elevated stress, performance anxiety, and intense training. This systematic review analyzed 11 studies (2000–2023) on bruxism prevalence, underlying factors, and its impact on athletic performance. Data were extracted on prevalence, strength, endurance, coordination, reaction time, psychological stress, sleep quality, and injury risk. Random-effects models calculated pooled prevalence, standardized mean differences, and odds ratios. Bruxism prevalence among athletes ranged from 15 to 70%, with a pooled estimate of 38% (95% confidence interval: 25–52%), significantly higher than the general population’s 8–20%. Combat sports (58%) and weightlifting (50%) showed the highest rates. Athletes with bruxism exhibited reduced strength (standardized mean difference=−0.48), endurance (standardized mean difference=−0.41), coordination (standardized mean difference=−0.45), slower reaction times (standardized mean difference=−0.33), elevated anxiety (standardized mean difference=0.62), poorer sleep quality (standardized mean difference=−0.56), and a 2.5-fold higher injury risk (odds ratio=2.5). Bruxism poses significant challenges for athletes, compromising oral health, sleep, and performance. Further research should clarify sport-specific risk factors and develop targeted management strategies to safeguard athletes’ health and competitive outcomes.

Keywords

bruxism - athletic performance - sport-specific risk factors


Publication History

Received: 12 December 2024

Accepted after revision: 14 April 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
15 April 2025

Article published online:
15 May 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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