Sleep and Awake Bruxism in Pediatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Associated Factors

Aims: To identify the prevalence and associated factors of dental bruxism in children during the development of occlusion.

Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected in two private dental clinics in the city of Maringá - PR. Children treated between 2014 and 2021 were included.

Methodology: 417 medical records of children aged between 5 and 12 years old were selected from two dental clinics in the same city. 260 participants answered a questionnaire to identify bruxism complaints. Bruxism was considered possible when those responsible for the patients indicated the occurrence of audible sounds such as teeth grinding and considered probable when there was a report from those responsible for the patients and tooth wear assessed in the clinical examination. 42 children were included in the group of patients with possible bruxism (GB) and 42 in the control group (absence of bruxism - GC). The results were subjected to statistical and descriptive analysis.

Results: A prevalence of possible bruxism of 24.6% was observed and an association was found for the variables: pain in the temporomandibular joints, ringing in the ears, headache, unilateral chewing, joints with pain when chewing, fatigue in the muscles of the face after a long meal, harmful habits such as onychophagia, biting cheeks and pen; snoring, sleeping with their mouth open; behavioral profile: nervousness about new things and lack of motivation with tasks, in addition to the severity of tooth wear.

Conclusion: The prevalence of probable bruxism in children was 24.6%, with manifestations most occurring at night. More clinical studies are needed to develop multidisciplinary approaches for managing childhood bruxism.