Childhood bruxism: Related factors and impact on oral health‐related quality of life

This study aimed to assess childhood bruxism relating associated factors and the bruxism's impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). A case‐control study was performed with 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children obtained from public preschools in Brazil. The case and control groups had 21 and 40 children, respectively. Associations between bruxism and respiratory problems (p = 0.04, OR: 0.33, CI: 0.09 to 1.14), dental wear (p < 0.01, OR: 0.01, CI: 0.00 to 0.05), malocclusion (p < 0.01, OR: 0.06, CI: 0.01 to 0.35), and dental caries (p = 0.02, OR: 0.22, CI: 0.04 to 1.04) were observed. The OHRQoL overall mean score and subscales were relatively low independent of the evaluated group (p > 0.05). The association between presence and absence of impact with bruxism or other variables showed no statistical relationship (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that childhood bruxism is related to respiratory problems, dental wear, dental caries, and malocclusion. Despite being a topic that demands special care in dentistry, bruxism does not significantly affect the OHRQoL.

Source: Special Care in Dentistry - September 21, 2015 Category: Dentistry Authors: Lívia Azeredo Alves Antunes, Thuanny Castilho, Marcello Marinho, Renato Silva Fraga, Leonardo Santos Antunes Tags: ARTICLE Source Type: research