Are sleep disorders associated with traumatic dental injuries in school children? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundTo evaluate whether the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in permanent anterior teeth among school children is associated with sleep behaviours and disorders.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years (n = 1402) from Florianopolis, Brazil. Clinical examinations for TDIs were performed according to the classification proposed by Andreasen. Parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and sleep behaviours/disorders (sleep duration, insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring, and signs of sleep apnoea). Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were performed.ResultsThe prevalence of TDIs was 10.9%. Insomnia was observed in 3.0% of the children, snoring in 42.8%, sleep rhythmic movement in 27.9%, and signs of obstructive sleep apnoea in 33.6% of the schoolchildren. Most children (75.2%) slept less than eight hours a day. The prevalence of TDIs was higher among schoolchildren with an increased overjet (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15–2.35; P < 0.01), after adjusting for monthly family income, caregiver's schooling, and sleep behaviours. The prevalence of TDIs was not associated with sleep behaviours/disorders.ConclusionsParent‐reported sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring and signs of sleep apnoea were not associated with the prevalence of TDIs in schoolchildren. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.