Breathing problems, being an only child and having parents with possible sleep bruxism are associated with probable sleep bruxism in preschoolers: a population-based study

• Published in: Sleep & breathing 2021-09, Vol.25 (3), p.1677-1684
• Main Authors: Ramos, Priscila Figueiredo Cruz, de Lima, Marina de Deus Moura, de Moura, Marcoeli Silva, Bendo, Cristiane Baccin, Moura, Lúcia de Fátima Almeida de Deus, Lima, Cacilda Castelo Branco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brazil - epidemiology; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Data collection; Dentistry; Dentistry • Original Article; Environmental factors; Female; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurology; Only Child - statistics & numerical data; Otorhinolaryngology; Parents; Pediatrics; Pneumology/Respiratory System; Population studies; Population-based studies; Preschool children; Prevalence; Respiration Disorders - epidemiology; Risk Factors; Sleep; Sleep Bruxism - epidemiology; Sleep Bruxism - genetics; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1520-9512; 1522-1709
• DOI: 10.1007/s11325-020-02281-0

Purpose To determine the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in preschoolers and associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out with 862 dyads of parents/preschoolers aged 5 from Teresina, Brazil. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire answered by parents/guardians about socioeconomic, demographic, and health condition data. Each child was examined for diagnosis of probable SB based on the presence of dental wear associated or not with the report of teeth grinding by parents/guardians. The analysis of independent variables was stratified into four levels of determinants: demographic characteristics of the child (distal), characteristics of the family, environmental factors (intermediate), and health conditions (proximal). Descriptive analysis and bivariate and multivariate Poisson’s regression were performed using a hierarchical approach ( p < 0.05). Results The prevalence of probable SB was 36%. In the final adjusted multivariate hierarchical model, a preschooler who was the only child (PR = 1.25; 95%CI = 1.02–1.51), with breathing problems (PR = 1.43; 95%CI = 1.19–1.73), and having parents/guardians with possible sleep bruxism (PR = 1.65; 95%CI = 1.32–2.07) had a higher prevalence of probable SB. Conclusion The prevalence of probable SB in preschoolers was high and associated with the condition of being an only child, the presence of breathing problems, and having parents/guardians with possible sleep bruxism.