The prevalence of sleep bruxism and associated factors in children: a report by parents.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of sleep bruxism and associated factors among children aged 3-12 years as reported by parents via a questionnaire.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 148 parents/caregivers of children aged 3-12 years treated at paediatric dentistry clinics. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire in the waiting room. Information on the gender and age of the child, age of parent/caregiver, meaning of bruxism and child's sleep (type of sleep, if he/she slept alone, hours of sleep per night and if nocturnal bruxism could affect his/her health) were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed and Poisson regression with robust variance was employed (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of sleep bruxism was 32.4%. Most parents (64.2%) did not know the meaning of bruxism. In the final Poisson regression model, child's gender (PR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.66) and restless sleep (PR 1.39; 95% CI 1.12-1.72) were significantly associated with sleep bruxism.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of sleep bruxism was high and was associated with gender and having restless sleep. Most parents/guardians did not know the meaning of bruxism.