Bruxism in allergic children.

A study of bruxism (tooth grinding) was conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine, at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, and at the Sleep Disorders Center, Mount Sinai MEdical Center, Miami Beach, Florida. A threefold incidence of this pernicious oral habit in allergic children was disclosed as compared to nonallergic children. Dental literature stresses psychogenic factors, occlusal maladjustments, systemic conditions, and occupational pursuits which do not pertain to most children. Allergy is rarely considered. Nocturnal bruxism may be initiated reflexly by increased negative pressures in the tympanic cavities from intermittent allergic edema of the mucosa of the Eustachian tubes. Embryologic, anatomic, and neurological relationships between the muscles of the eardrum, Eustachian tubes, and jaws have a primordial, common ancestry. Chronic middle ear disturbances may promote reflex action to the jaws by stimulating the trigeminal nuclei in the brain. Sleep studies at Mount Sinai Medical Center on allergic, bruxing children have produced some interesting but incomplete results. We are attempting to develop sophisticated devices for monitoring abnormal tubal function which may be the crux of the bruxism problem.