Association of possible sleep bruxism in children with different chronotype profiles and sleep characteristics

Abstract

Sleep bruxism (SB) in children has been associated with several sleep characteristics, which may alter their sleep pattern. This change affects the internal biological clock and consequently the chronotype profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of an association between possible SB in children with specific chronotype profiles and sleep characteristics. The study included 207 parents/guardians of children aged between 3 and 12 years who were waiting for their children's dental treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A questionnaire on the socio-demographic characteristics of parents and children as well as on the features of the children's sleep was applied. In addition, the CIRENS scale (Circadian Energy Scale) was completed by the parents to identify the children's chronotype. A chi-squared test was used to determine the association between possible SB, the chronotype, and sleep characteristics. A multiple logistic regression model was implemented to observe the influence of chronotype, age, and other independent variables on the possible SB. The logistic regression model demonstrated that nocturnal agitation (p = 0.009; OR = 3.42) and nightmares (p = 0.045; OR = 3.24) were associated with possible SB in children. Although no significant association (p = 0 .089) between the chronotype profile and possible SB was observed in the 3 to 5 years age group, a proportional difference was observed between the chronotype categories in this age group-12.5% of children with SB had a morning type, while 26.4% had an intermediate type and 47.8% an evening type compared to those without possible SB. Nocturnal agitation and nightmares were associated with possible SB. In addition, young children with an evening chronotype had a tendency toward possible SB.

Is there association between dental malocclusion and bruxism? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…6 Recent studies have found that bruxism is associated with sleep disorders, chronotype, psychological factors and personality traits rather than local factors like occlusion. 8,[37][38][39] Furthermore, a previous review revealed that alterations in the central dopaminergic system and factors like smoking, alcohol, diseases and trauma are implicated in the aetiology of bruxism. 7…”

Correlation between Parental-Reported Tooth Grinding and Sleep Disorders: Investigation in a Cohort of 741 Consecutive Children

“…Our findings reported a correlation between nightmares and parental-reported tooth grinding. Rebeiro et al showed that nocturnal agitation and nightmares were associated with possible SB in children [21]. Furthermore, Serra-Negra and colleagues observed that 71.4% of children who woke up frightened and 75% of those who awaken in the middle of the night had possible SB [19].…”

“…Brief nightmares and awakenings during sleep with palpitations are systemic features of SB [22,23]. Also, an association with evening chronotype could exist, but the study of chronotype and its changes as a possible source of distress requires refinement, especially as far as the phenotyping of different chronotype profiles [21].…”

Chronodentistry: the role & potential of molecular clocks in oral medicine

“…Recently the relation between a specific chronotype and bruxism was discussed, since bruxism can be assigned to different times of day. First results of clinical studies rather show a tendency to no correlation between chronotypes and bruxism [86, 87].…”