CHILDHOOD BRUXISM AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CHILDHOOD: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the main aspects related to childhood bruxism and the factors associated with its occurrence during childhood, highlighting its etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches described in the scientific literature. It is a narrative review, carried out from articles indexed in PubMed, selecting publications between 2021 and 2026, focusing on studies that addressed prevalence, risk factors, clinical repercussions, and management approaches in pediatric patients. The analyzed studies showed that childhood bruxism has a multifactorial etiology, being mainly associated with emotional factors such as anxiety and stress, in addition to sleep-related respiratory disorders, snoring, mouth breathing, alterations in biological rhythm, and parafunctional habits. Among the most frequent clinical manifestations are dental wear, muscle pain, headache, and alterations of sleep. The diagnosis was described predominantly through clinical evaluation and reports from caregivers, while polysomnography was indicated as a complementary method in specific cases. It is concluded that childhood bruxism constitutes a complex condition with a multifactorial origin, requiring early diagnosis and an interdisciplinary approach. Clinical follow-up, combined with family guidance and control of associated factors, contributes to the prevention of complications and the promotion of children's health.