The Childhood Bruxism: Literature Review

Abstract

Bruxism is an activity characterized by tightening or creaking of the teeth that occurs most frequently during sleep. It may occur at night or in the daytime. Patients typically clench their teeth during the day, and they grit their teeth at night. Although its etiology is not entirely understood, it can be said that factors such as stress, nutritional deficiency, allergic diseases, unhealthy behaviors, and malocclusion predispose to the presence of bruxism. The treatment of childhood sleep bruxism is a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, pedodontists, and other practitioners in the healthcare field. This study summarizes childhood bruxism, its etiological causes, diagnosis, and potential current options for treatment.