Sleep Bruxism in Children: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment—A Literature Review

Sylwia Bulanda, Danuta Ilczuk-Rypuła, Aleksandra Nitecka-Buchta, Zuzanna Nowak, Stefan Baron and Lidia Postek-Stefańska
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Sylwia Bulanda: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Danuta Ilczuk-Rypuła: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Aleksandra Nitecka-Buchta: Department of Temporomandibular Disorders, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Zuzanna Nowak: Department of Temporomandibular Disorders, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Stefan Baron: Department of Temporomandibular Disorders, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Lidia Postek-Stefańska: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Traugutta sq. 2, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-9

Abstract: (1) Background: Bruxism, a condition characterized by grinding and involuntary clenching of the teeth, is a risk factor for the development of masticatory dysfunction. It can occur together with sleep disturbances and may be associated with abnormal body movements, breathing difficulties, increased muscle activity, and heart rate disturbances. This disorder is becoming an important dental concern in children. (2) Methods: A literature review was carried out based on a search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles on bruxism in children, published between 2014 and 2021. The etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of bruxism in children were of particular interest in the study. (3) Results: A total of 40 articles were included in the review. The analyzed studies indicated that the prevalence rates of bruxism in children vary widely from 13% to 49%. The etiology of bruxism is complex and incomprehensible, and the main diagnostic criteria for this condition in children are subjective observation, clinical history, and clinical examination. The recommended therapy for sleep bruxism in children is physiotherapy and psychotherapy. (4) Conclusions: Dentists and primary care physicians should correctly diagnose bruxism in children, educate parents, prevent potential consequences for oral health, and identify possible comorbidities. Appropriate clinical guidelines for the treatment and prophylaxis of bruxism in children should also be developed.

Keywords: bruxism; children; bruxism etiology; bruxism diagnosis; bruxism treatment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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