The Behavior of Probable Sleep Bruxism, Anxiety and Need for Orthodontic Treatment in Adolescents

Objective: To determine the prevalence of the need for orthodontic treatment, anxiety, and probable sleep bruxism and its association in adolescents. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 294 adolescents aged between 11 and 16 years. Orthodontic treatment need was determined using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN-DHC). Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Brazilian version of the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC). The probable sleep bruxism was identified based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) questionnaire. Descriptive data analyses were performed. Simple logistic regression models were applied between each independent variable and the outcome (anxiety score). Variables with p<0.20 in the individual (raw) analyses were studied in a multiple logistic regression model, with p <= 0.05 remaining in the final model. Based on the regression models, the prevalence ratios were estimated with the respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: 68.7% of the adolescents had probable sleep bruxism, and 35.4% had a moderate or severe normative need for orthodontic treatment. Adolescents aged up to 12 years (OR=1.82; CI: 1.10-3.02), females (OR=2.67; CI: 1.64-4.34), and with a moderate or severe need for orthodontic treatment according to the IOTN-DHC (OR=1.76; CI: 1.06-2.90), are more likely to have a higher anxiety score. The prevalence of adolescents with a moderate or severe need for normative orthodontic treatment by the IOTN-DHC is 35.4% (95%CI: 29.9-40.8%), while the perceived need for treatment by the IOTN-AC is 14.0% (95%CI: 10.0-17.9%). Adolescents with a high degree of anxiety were more likely to have probable sleep bruxism (OR=3.64; CI: 1.06-12.50). Conclusion: Female adolescents up to 12 years of age and with a moderate or severe need for orthodontic treatment are more likely to have higher levels of anxiety; adolescents with a high degree of anxiety are more likely to have probable sleep bruxism.