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. © 2017, European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.