Background

Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles that has been associated with orofacial disorders and psychosocial factors

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between possible awake bruxism (PAB) and family functioning, bullying, and dental caries in children 8-10 years of age.

Design

A school-based study was conducted with 739 pairs of parents/guardians and children. The parents/guardians answered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales for the establishment of family functioning. Information on bullying due to dental conditions was collected from the children. Dental caries in the children was evaluated using International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. A directed acyclic graph was used to define the theoretical model and select control factors. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression for complex samples.

Results

Considering the parental reports, fewer years of mother's schooling, a low family income, very flexible family adaptability, and cavitated dental caries were associated with PAB. The female sex, bullying, and orofacial dysfunction were associated with self-reported PAB.

Conclusions

Therefore, the factors associated with PAB differ according to the reports of parents/guardians or self-reports of children. Healthcare providers should consider both reports for a more effective intervention addressing PAB.