Post-traumatic stress disorder and bruxism: a narrative literature review

Research question / aims This review aims to examine the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bruxism and related orofacial pain conditions, including awake bruxism, sleep bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, and orofacial pain. The review further explores proposed mechanisms and evaluates evidence for psychological and dental treatment approaches. Rationale PTSD is increasingly recognised as a condition associated with somatic and pain-related outcomes. Bruxism and orofacial pain are clinically significant yet under-recognised comorbidities in trauma-exposed populations. Clarifying prevalence, mechanisms, and treatment implications may inform trauma-informed, multidisciplinary care. Type of review Narrative literature review with structured search and synthesis. Inclusion criteria Example: Adults diagnosed with PTSD or significant post-traumatic stress symptoms Studies examining bruxism (awake or sleep), TMD, or orofacial pain Observational, experimental, and interventional studies English-language publications Exclusion criteria Case reports only unless clinically relevant Pediatric-only samples Non-peer-reviewed opinion pieces Search strategy Databases to be searched include PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Search terms will include combinations of “PTSD”, “post-traumatic stress”, “bruxism”, “awake bruxism”, “sleep bruxism”, “temporomandibular disorders”, and “orofacial pain”. Reference lists of included papers will also be screened. Data extraction / synthesis Key study characteristics (design, sample, outcomes, and main findings) will be extracted and synthesized narratively, with attention to consistency across prevalence, mechanistic, and treatment studies. Deviations from protocol Given the narrative nature of the review, minor deviations from the initial plan (e.g., inclusion of additional relevant studies or conceptual papers) may occur and will be transparently described in the final manuscript.