Bruxism Influence on Volume and Interleukin-1β Concentration of Gingival Crevicular Fluid: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Bruxism is occlusal behaviour that often leads to stomatognathic system overload. Inflammatory markers in the periodontium are detectable in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). GCF production fluctuates due to various factors. Our study aimed to assess the effect of tooth clenching or grinding on GCF volume and proinflammatory IL-1β concentration in GCF. This pilot study was carried out on 20 participants aged 21 to 28 with good general health (per 10 people studied and control groups). GCF volume was measured with Periotron 8010 after absorbing for 30 s with PerioPaper strips. Twelve samples were collected from each patient—the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth 16, 11, 24, 36, 31, and 44 were included. Laboratory examination of IL-1β concentration was performed. In patients with pathological tooth wear, a tendency to increase GCF secretion and IL-1β concentration in GCF was found. GCF volumes were higher in posterior teeth, while IL-1β levels were higher in anterior teeth. Crevices at the molars seem to have a potential predictive value in diagnosing periodontal microinflammation in patients with probable bruxism. Due to occlusal overload, these bruxists are more prone to microinflammatory processes in the periodontium. Further studies in a broader group are required to confirm this correlation.