Bruxism, parafunctional oral habits and oral motor problems in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIndividuals with spastic cerebral palsy are more predisposed to parafunctional oral activities and oral motor problems because of spasticity.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the gross motor function classification system score (GMFCS), age, bruxism, parafunctional oral habits and oral motor problems in children with cerebral palsy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 63 children with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 3-18 years, with developmental disabilities. The relationship between parentally reported bruxism, parafunctional oral activity rates, oral motor problems, and GMFCS was analysed.ResultsThe prevalence of bruxism was 52.4%, and the rate decreased as age increased. There was a greater likelihood of bruxism in individuals with tongue thrust (OR [95% CI] = 8.15 [1.4-47.3]) and swallowing problems (OR [95% CI] = 5.78 [1.3-24.68]).ConclusionIn children with spastic cerebral palsy, bruxism and the rate of parafunctional oral habits were high, thus affecting oral motor activities. A relationship was found between oral motor problems and increased GMFCS levels, but no relationship was found between bruxism and GMFCS levels. Children with spastic cerebral palsy who display tongue thrust or swallowing problems have an increased likelihood of presenting with bruxism. The study found that the prevalence of bruxism was 52.4% among 63 children with spastic cerebral palsy, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years, and the incidence of bruxism decreased as age increased. Individuals with tongue thrust (OR [95% CI] = 8.15 [1.4-47.3]) and swallowing problems (OR [95% CI] = 5.78 [1.3-24.68]) had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing bruxism. In children with spastic cerebral palsy, both bruxism and the frequency of parafunctional oral habits were notably high, thereby influencing oral motor activities.