Bruxism in children

Abstract

At the present time, bruxism is the term used to indicate the non-functional contact of teeth, which may include clenching, gnashing, grinding and tapping of the teeth. Although bruxism was a subject of intense investigation since it was first described in 1907, the studies have focused mainly on the adult population. Only recently has interest been shown in this phenomenon occurring in children and a number of studies proved that bruxism is an oral habit that is indulged in by many children, except in infancy before the appearance of the first dentition. In fact, infants with no teeth to oppose newly erupted lower central incisors have been known to lacerate the opposing gum pad. While not strictly qualifying as bruxism, this is viewed by some as the elements of this habit. Bruxism usually refers to a nocturnal subconscious activity, but can occur during the day or night3 and may be performed consciously or subconsciously. It is a conscious activity when parafunctional activities are included in the definition, e.g., chewing of pencils, nails, cheeks and lips. The continuous use of chewing gum might also be considered as a parafunctional activity.4