Prevalence of Bruxism and Its Association With Sleep Disturbances, Anxiety, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Abstract
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of bruxism in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to examine its associations with sleep disturbances, anxiety symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 children aged 3-12 years, comprising 70 children with ASD and 70 neurotypical peers, matched by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Bruxism diagnosis was based on parental reports and clinical examination. Validated instruments were used to assess sleep disturbances (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children), anxiety symptoms (SCAS/Preschool SCAS), and OHRQoL (B-ECOHIS and COHIP-SF 19). Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests and estimation of prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using Poisson regression.
Results: Bruxism prevalence was higher in children with ASD (44.3%) compared to neurotypical children (15.7%) (PR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.54-5.6; p = 0.003) and was associated with poorer sleep quality across both groups. However, neurotypical children with bruxism, particularly among aged 6-12 years, exhibited worse socio-emotional well-being compared to children with ASD and bruxism (p = 0.011), children with ASD without bruxism (p = 0.039), and neurotypical children without bruxism (p = 0.011).
Conclusion: Bruxism is more prevalent in children with ASD and is associated with poorer sleep quality. However, the psychosocial impact of bruxism on OHRQoL appears to be greater…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 140 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.