Context: Bruxism is the habit of clenching or grinding one's teeth in non-functional activities and affects both children and adults alike. Respiratory problems, such as asthma and upper airway infections, are reported to be the etiological factors of bruxism.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is an association between respiratory problems and dental caries in children who exhibit the habit of bruxism.
Setting and design: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out.
Materials and methods: Patient histories were taken and clinical exams were performed on 90 children for selection and allocation to one of two groups. For the determination of bruxism, a questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians and an oral clinical exam was performed based on the criteria of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Thirty-three male and female children between 4 and 7 years of age participated in the study - 14 children with bruxism and 19 children without bruxism.
Statistical analysis: The data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test, with level of significance set at 5% (P < 0.05).
Results: Mean age of the participants was 5.73 years. The male gender accounted for 45.5% (n = 15) of the sample and the female gender accounted for 54.5% (n = 18). A statistically significant association was found between respiratory problems and dental caries among the children with bruxism. Seventy-seven percent of the children with bruxism had caries and 62.5% the children with respiratory problems exhibited the habit of bruxism.
Conclusions: There seems to be an association between bruxism, respiratory problems, and dental caries in children.