Lifestyle and oral facial disorders associated with sleep bruxism in children

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the routine, sleep history, and orofacial disorders associated with children aged 3-7 years with nocturnal bruxism. Methods: Children (n = 66) were divided into groups of parent reported nocturnal bruxism (n = 34) and those without the disorder (n = 32). Data about the child's routine during the day, during sleep and awakening, headache frequency, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and hearing impairments were obtained through interviews with parents/caregivers. Electromyography examination was used to assess the activity of facial muscles. Multiple logistic regression (MLR), chi-square test, and t-test analyses were performed. Results: MLR revealed association of nightmares (p = 0.002; OR = 18.09) and snoring (p = 0.013; OR = 0.14) with bruxism. Variables related to awakening revealed an association with bruxism (p < 0.05). Parents of the main group (children with nocturnal bruxism) reported more complaints of orofacial pain, facial appearance, and headache occurrence (p < 0.05). Auditory and muscle disorders were not significant variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Nightmares and snoring are associated with nocturnal bruxism in children. Bruxism in children elicits consequences such as headache, orofacial pain, and pain related to awakening.