Bruxism in High Psychophysical Load Populations: The Role of Digital Diagnostic Technologies in Athletes and Dancers - A Narrative Review

Background and Objective: Professional athletes and dancers operate under extreme psychosocial and physical demands, predisposing them to stress-related motor behaviors, notably awake and sleep bruxism. This review explores the neurobiological and epidemiological links between high-stress environments and bruxism, evaluating how innovative diagnostic technologies can bridge existing gaps in real-world clinical and ecological assessment. Methods: A narrative review of recent literature (2020-2026) was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The analysis included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies, and research on technological innovations, with particular emphasis on electromyography (EMG), ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and machine learning-based diagnostic systems. Key Findings: Evidence demonstrates that stress acts as a primary neurobiological trigger for bruxism, significantly affecting athletic performance and, potentially, dancer well-being while contributing to craniofacial pain and physical injuries. While direct literature isolating dancers is an emerging niche, clear parallels with elite athletes may represent the high-risk nature of these professions. Crucially, the adoption of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and AI-enhanced wearable sensors (EMG) has significantly enhanced patient-reported and instrumental diagnostics, offering continuous, non-invasive data collection that captures real-world behavioral patterns and daily psychophysical load. Conclusions: Because bruxism heavily impacts high-load populations, leveraging smartphone-based diaries and smart wearable systems is essential. These innovative technologies not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also empower healthcare providers and coaches to deploy timely psychological and physical interventions, safeguarding performers' holistic health. Furthermore, this synthesis has broader implications for public health strategies and digital health integration in high-performance populations.