Bruxism, Anxiety, and Periodontal Health in Dental Students
An Observational Cross-Sectional Study of the Relationship Between Bruxism, Anxiety, and Periodontal Status Among Fourth- and Fifth-Year Dental Students at Al-Hawash Private University
This project will see if bruxism and anxiety are linked to gum health in fourth- and fifth-year dental students.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Al-Hawash Private University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Homs) |
| Trial ID | NCT07579416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional observational project will enroll fourth- and fifth-year dental students at Al‑Hawash Private University to measure probable bruxism, anxiety levels, and periodontal parameters at a single visit. Participants will complete validated questionnaires for bruxism and anxiety and undergo a clinical periodontal examination to record probing depths, attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. The study will use statistical analyses to look for associations between bruxism, anxiety scores, and periodontal measures. As a cross-sectional design, it can identify correlations but cannot prove causation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are undergraduate fourth- or fifth-year dental students aged 18 or older at Al‑Hawash Private University who can give written consent and do not have orthodontic treatment, systemic diseases affecting periodontal status, medications that affect bruxism or anxiety, major psychiatric disorders, or incomplete data.
Not a fit: Students currently receiving orthodontic care, with systemic conditions or medications affecting bruxism/anxiety, major psychiatric disorders, pregnant students when pregnancy affects periodontal assessment, or those outside the target years will not be eligible and therefore will not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify students at higher risk for periodontal problems related to bruxism and anxiety and inform prevention or education efforts.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cross-sectional studies have reported links between anxiety, bruxism, and worse periodontal measures, but results are mixed and do not establish causation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate dental students in the fourth or fifth year. * Age 18 years or older. * Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Orthodontic treatment. * Systemic disease affecting periodontal status. * Medications that may affect bruxism or anxiety. * Major psychiatric disorders. * Pregnancy, if relevant to periodontal assessment. * Incomplete questionnaire or incomplete clinical data.
Where this trial is running
Homs
- Al-Hawash Private University, Faculty of Dentistry — Homs, Syria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ali Abou Sulaiman, Ph.D. in Periodontology
- Email: dr.ali.abousulaiman@hpu.edu.sy
- Phone: +963956790836
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.