THE INFLUENCE OF ANXIETY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDHOOD BRUXISM

Abstract

Bruxism is a parafunctional oral habit characterized by the involuntary act of clenching and/or grinding the teeth in a repetitive and stereotyped manner, which can occur during the day or at night. Various etiological factors may be associated with the development of bruxism, such as local, systemic, psychological, occupational, and hereditary factors. Researchers have noted that behavioral factors like anxiety stand out compared to local factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address, through a literature review, the understanding of factors associated with childhood bruxism, emphasizing psychological influences, especially anxiety, and highlighting the importance of a diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach. For this purpose, a bibliographic search was conducted in the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Google Scholar, and PubMed. There was considerable evidence of an association between anxiety and stress with childhood bruxism. It is concluded that there is no single protocol, but rather the need for interventions that aim at both oral health and the emotional balance of the child.