Prevalence and risks of sleep bruxism in children and adolescents presenting for orthodontic treatment.

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and risks of definite sleep bruxism (SB) among children and adolescents presenting for orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 7-16-year-old subjects pursuing orthodontic treatment for the first time. The presence or absence of SB was determined using an overnight mandibular movement monitoring inertial measurement sensor, worn by each participant for two consecutive nights. Data from the sensor were extrapolated, then processed and analyzed to automatically identify rhythmic masticatory muscle activity for SB assessment. SB risks were evaluated from previously validated questionnaires, clinical examinations, lateral cephalometric radiographs, and digital study models.

Results: A total of 87 subjects with a mean age of 12.82 years ± 2.24 and body mass index of 21.45 ± 5.49 participated in the study. The prevalence of SB was 60.7%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that SB had statistically significant association with microarousals (events/h) (β=0.31, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.25-0.36, P < .001) and maxillary 6-6 dimension (mm) (β = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.13, P = .008). A second model excluding microarousals showed that SB had a statistically significant association with sleep efficiency (SE) percentage (β = -0.15, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.01, P = .026) and obstructive respiratory disturbance index (ORDI) (events/h) (β = 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.51, P < .001).

Conclusions and implications: In a growing orthodontic population, definite SB is very common. SB is related to microarousals, maxillary intermolar width, SE percentage, and ORDI.