Is there a relation between sleeping habits and nocturnal bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, dental trauma and caries among children?

Abstract

Objective: Sleep disorders are common among children and have a negative impact on growth and development. Recently reports demonstrate a possible association with oral findings as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between sleeping habits, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and dental caries in children. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at IAU Faculty of Dentistry with a representative sample of a hundred children aged between 6-13. Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was completed by their parents. Intra oral examination was carried out in a clinical setting and presence of nocturnal bruxism, history of TDI were recorded for each child. Results: Among sleeping habits, bed time resistance was found significantly related with children who had nocturnal bruxism and temporomandibular disorders. Untreated dental caries was also found significantly associated with sleep fragmentation. However, no relation was found with traumatic dental injuries. Conclusion: Children with symptoms of bruxism, TMD and untreated dental caries might experience negative impacts on their sleeping habits and characteristics. Pediatricians and pedodontists should work in collaboration to identify causes and clinical features of sleeping habits and disorders in order to avoid negative effects on stomatognathic system.