Which condition can lead to temporalis muscle tenderness?

Excessive vertical dimension can indeed lead to temporalis muscle tenderness. This is often associated with an incorrect occlusal relationship or improper dental restorations that raise the vertical height of the bite beyond what is normal or natural for a patient. When the vertical dimension is too high, it can place undue stress on the temporalis muscle, which is responsible for elevating the jaw during chewing and closing the mouth. The repetitive strain from the muscle working in an overly extended position can result in tenderness, discomfort, or even pain.

In contrast, bruxism, while it does involve muscle activity and can lead to similar symptoms, primarily causes tenderness in the masticatory muscles due to grinding and clenching activities rather than from the vertical relationship itself. Poor oral hygiene is more related to periodontal health and tissue inflammation, while chronic sinusitis would typically not result in tenderness of the temporalis muscle but rather present with symptoms in the sinus area. Therefore, excessive vertical dimension is the condition most directly linked to affecting the temporalis muscle and contributing to tenderness.